A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. - Proverbs 25:11

The Dangerous Drift

Back in the early 1900s, a group of about 25 swimmers waded into the waves off Ocean View, Virginia, to enjoy the refreshing waters of the Chesapeake Bay. In those days, Ocean View was nothing more than a few cottages scattered along a two mile stretch of beach. The city of Norfolk had not spread far enough eastward to even consider including the area as a part of its corporation. Therefore, most of the swimmers were not beach-dwellers, but rather city-dwellers from Norfolk, only traveling to the beach for occasional vacations or special events.

When the group entered the water, an experienced swimmer among them instructed everyone to stay together, as a strong rip current had been reported earlier in the day.

"By staying together," he reasoned, "within an arms length of each other, we will remain safe." All the swimmers acknowledged his wisdom, except for a couple of foolhardy individuals who prided themselves in doing things their own way. Huddled together in shoulder deep water, the group chatted and laughed merrily as strong waves washed over them, lifting them off their feet and then setting them down again on the ocean floor.

So engaged in noisy chatter was the group, that no one noticed the two who were exercising their right to be independent. No one noticed as they drifted dangerously away, putting 10, 15, and then 20 yards between themselves and the safety of the group. No one noticed as a powerful riptide caught them in its current and whisked them out to sea. By the time everyone did realize what was happening, it was too late. Because the two were not good swimmers, they panicked, and began climbing on one another in a desperate attempt to stay relevant, to stay afloat in the deepening water. Before any strong swimmers in the group could reach them, who by then were 100 yards from the shore, the two sank beneath the murky waves.

Is there not a lesson in this story about the importance of staying close to your local group of believers, of staying close to your church family? Through the years I have watched as certain believers distanced themselves from the group to which they were called, from the fellowship with which they once enjoyed the things of God. I have looked on with grievous pain as the strong, deceptive currents of the world whisked them out to sea. Thankfully, some were rescued, but many were not. I believe it behooves us all to heed God's prophet when he writes of "not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but encouraging one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching" (Hebrews 10:25). The approaching Day will not make it easier to stand for Christ, particularly if we separate ourselves and try to go it alone. The demonic forces arrayed against us are seasoned veterans of spiritual war, experienced and relentless; they have been at their deadly work for centuries and longer. Alone, you are no match for their cunning. However, together with your brethren, there is a great likelihood that you'll remain strong and productive in God's kingdom. Therefore, beloved, make it your aim to stay connected--and vitally so--to the fellowship of believers to which God has called you. Allow nothing to offend you to the point where you will forsake this fellowship. Allow no pleasure, no hobby, no occupation, nor any group of people to lure you away from your believing people. When you do so, you do it to the detriment of many. You harm yourself, your family, your calling, and the precious, although imperfect people you have chosen to abandon. Keep yourself from drifting away.