Several years ago, I remember reading a story about two men who drowned in Lake Michigan. I don’t recall all the specific details, but the story made an impact on me. It went something like this: four men were out boating on a beautiful summer day on Lake Michigan. As the afternoon got hot, they decided to anchor the boat and go for a swim. After some time, they realized the waves had pushed them away from the boat – they had drifted away from their boat. Once they realized they were in danger they started swimming back to the boat, but tragically two of the men did not make it.

I remember thinking at the time they would have been fine if they had only kept their eyes on the boat. The boat did not move – it was anchored.

From what I remember of the story, alcohol was not a factor. The men did not set out to do anything dangerous. They were simply enjoying a nice day and became distracted by their activities and it cost two of them their lives.

This tragedy has often served as a reminder to me that the same thing can happen to me in my spiritual life. In times of super busy schedules and many tasks that need to be completed, it is all too easy to drift in the area of my spiritual life. Like most people, my schedule tends to be very busy and if I am not careful it can become a distraction. I need to keep my eyes on the anchor in my life – Jesus.

So here are the three ways I keep myself from spiritually drifting:

1. Reading the Bible Daily.

I know you probably expected this to be the first tip, but it is true. What works for me is to do my Bible Time early in the morning. I actually schedule it on my calendar for the first appointment. On the days I miss my daily Bible Time, I miss the connection with the Father. On the rare occasions, I miss several days in a row, I feel myself drifting; my thoughts are less than pure, my words become harsh, and I am less proud of my actions.

2. Prayer.

Again, I know you expected this, but it is harder to spiritually drift away when you are in conversation with God. Praying for others, especially those on my my5 list helps me take the focus off myself and puts it on others – it helps me live out the mission God has given me.

3. Find someone to keep you accountable.

This may be hard for many of us but giving someone the permission to ask you about your spiritual life is critical. I have had two men in my life that have served in this role for me. When they ask me a tough question about my spiritual condition, I don’t want to have told them I have not been in the Word or in prayer. I do not want to let them know I have been drifting away from Christ.

Drifting from Jesus may not cost us our lives as it did those two men on Lake Michigan that day, but it is incredibly dangerous. 2 Timothy 2:15 says: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” When I stand before God I want to present myself without being ashamed. I don’t want Him to accuse me of drifting from the anchored boat.

Keith is the Director of Spiritual Development. In this role, he directs Vineyard FIT, Vineyard Groups, retreats, conferences, and some events.

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