Are You Growing in Christ or Drifting? Spiritual life is never static. You are either growing or drifting. There is no middle ground. Just as a boat left unattended will slowly move away from its original position, so also a believer who neglects spiritual disciplines will silently drift from Christ. Hebrews 2:1, 2 Peter 3:18, John 15:4–5 The dangerous part of drifting is that it often happens quietly — without noise, without alarms, without sudden rebellion — just slow compromise, gradual coldness, and fading passion. Scripture warns us: “Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.” – Hebrews 2:1 This message is a divine call to self-examination: Are you growing in Christ or drifting from Him? 1. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO GROW IN CHRIST? Spiritual growth is becoming more like Jesus in character, obedience, faith, love, and holiness. “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” – 2 Peter 3:18 Growth shows in: * Increased hunger for God’s Word * Stronger prayer life * Deepening love for holiness * Greater fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) * Obedience even when it is uncomfortable Jesus said: “Abide in Me, and I in you... he who abides in Me bears much fruit.” – John 15:4–5 If you remain connected to Christ, growth is inevitable. 2. WHAT IS SPIRITUAL DRIFTING? Drifting is moving away from Christ slowly due to neglect, distraction, or compromise. Signs of drifting include: - Loss of passion for prayer and the Word of God - Irregular church attendance - Justifying sin - Spiritual laziness - Worldly desires replacing godly hunger Samson is a tragic example. He did not fall suddenly; he drifted through compromise until the Spirit left him (Judges 16:20). “They forsook the Lord… and the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel.” – Judges 2:12–14 Drifting always begins when devotion becomes optional. 3. WHY DO BELIEVERS DRIFT? a. Neglect of spiritual disciplines “Man shall not live by bread alone...” – Matthew 4:4 b. Love for the world “If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” – 1 John 2:15 c. Unaddressed sin “Your sins have hidden His face from you.” – Isaiah 59:2 d. Spiritual pride “Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” – 1 Corinthians 10:12 4. HOW TO KNOW IF YOU ARE GROWING OR DRIFTING Ask yourself honestly: * Do I desire God more than before? * Is repentance still easy for me? * Do I obey God even when it costs me? * Is Christ still my first love? Jesus warned the Ephesian church: “You have left your first love.” – Revelation 2:4 External activity cannot replace inward devotion. 5. HOW TO RETURN FROM DRIFTING AND GROW AGAIN a. Repent sincerely “Return to Me, and I will return to you.” – Malachi 3:7 b. Rebuild spiritual habits Daily prayer, Word, fasting, worship. c. Reconnect with fellowship “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…” – Hebrews 10:25 d. Renew your devotion “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” – Psalm 51:10 God specializes in restoration. No drift is too far for His mercy. CONCLUSION Spiritual drifting is subtle but deadly. Growth is intentional and deliberate. The difference between a mature believer and a powerless one is not talent — it is consistency. Today, the Holy Spirit asks: Are you growing in Christ or drifting? If you are drifting, return now. If you are growing, press deeper. Eternity depends on your direction. “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith.” – 2 Corinthians 13:5 ALTAR CALL Lord, search our hearts. Rekindle our fire. Restore our hunger. Bring us back to the path of growth and intimacy with Christ. Let us not drift but pursue You passionately, in Jesus’ Name, Amen. Pastor Abiodun Kadri #GrowingInChrist #SpiritualGrowth #ExamineYourFaith #NoMoreDrifting #RemainInChrist #DeepRootedInHim #ChristianMaturity #ReturnToFirstLove #FaithWalk #LivingForJesus