Drifting

Bible Reading: Colossians 3:1-3

I’m beginning to wonder if there are any fish in this lake,” said Dad as he

baited his hook with another worm. He and Charis had been fishing for nearly two hours. “We’d better catch some or Mom will make us take her out to dinner.”

Charis laughed as she looked into the pail holding the fish they had caught. “Those two little fish certainly aren’t enough for dinner,” she said.

A little later, Dad began reeling in his line. “Are we quitting?” asked Charis.

“No,” said Dad, “but our boat has drifted, and we need to get back toward the middle of the lake. We may damage the boat if we get too close to those rocks along the shoreline.”

Charis reeled in her line and watched her father row away from the shore. “I can’t believe how quickly we drifted from the spot where we started,” she said as he pulled hard on the oars. “We drifted a long way, didn’t we?”

“Yes, we did,” said Dad. “Maybe the fishing will be better when we get back to the deeper water.” It was, and before long, they had caught several fish.

“You know,” said Dad after a while, “What happened here is like what often happens in our lives. We were so busy fishing that we didn’t notice we were drifting. And as Christians, we can get so caught up in the things of this life that we don’t notice we’re drifting away from the Lord by focusing on ourselves and not living the way Jesus wants us to.”

“I guess that’s true,” said Charis, “but it’s not like all the stuff we get busy with is wrong, is it?”

“Of course not,” said Dad. “But no matter what we’re doing, we need to remember that we belong to Jesus. Everything we do—big or small—should be done in light of who we are in Him. That’s why it’s important to spend time with Jesus and other believers—so we remember all He’s done for us and learn to depend on Him to guide us in everything we do.”

Charis took a fish off her hook, then looked around. “We’re drifting again!” Dad laughed and reached for the oars. – Richard S. Maffeo

How About You?

Do you get involved in lots of activities? Are you so focused on projects, sports, friends, or other things that you lose sight of Jesus and all He’s done for you? Life is busy, but Jesus is your lifeline—He saved you and has a wonderful plan for your life. Never get too busy to spend time with Him by praying, reading the Bible, and worshiping Him with other Christians.

Today’s Key Verse:
Colossians 3:2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

Today’s Key Thought:

Stay focused on Jesus