It is not uncommon, especially if you follow baseball, to hear of “defections.” Most often it has been Cuban baseball players defecting to America in order to play baseball. Several big name players have done so. During the Cold War, we would often hear of members of the Russian Olympic teams, especially the skating teams, where one of their athletes wanted to defect. It was not unusual to hear of visiting dance troupes having one or two dancers defect. However, we would occasionally hear the opposite.
It is a pretty well-known story that during Billy Graham’s early years, there was a man who was a better preacher and drew more crowds than Billy did. This man spoke for Youth for Christ in crusades, but circumstances during the war began to wear on him and eventually Charles Templeton gave up his speaking for Christ and became an agnostic. This story is told in a movie called Billy. (I found the movie pretty interesting. It starred Armie Hammer (Lone Ranger) ). It shows Billy’s heartbreak over watching his friend defect.
We probably all know people who have defected or drifted from the faith. It breaks my heart to see people who used to serve and love God turn their back and give Him no credence any more. It is equally hard for me to fathom how someone who has experienced God’s goodness can turn away…but it happens. Of all the toxins I have talked about throughout this summer sermon series (I won’t link you to them since there have been 11 of them, but just go backwards by clicking on Thursdays at the calendar at the right), this just may be the most devastating.
If I think it is heart-breaking, imagine how God Himself feels. Better yet…read how He feels here.
There has to be some signs along the way to warn us/them something is happening! Jeremiah points them out:
- Drifting does not occur suddenly. [2:5,7]
- Drifting most often take place in times of blessing. [2:7]
- Drifting flourishes under loose leadership.
- Drifting involves two specific sins. [v.13] Comment: they forsook the Lord and replace Him with a bogus substitute.
- Drifting leads to consequences. [vv.14,15,19]
Sadly, drifting often leads to defection. I also plan to use I Cor.9:24-27 to show the importance of running the race faithfully. I’ll also be including this song to lead into the message (and yes I have posted it before but when its good its good. Ryan, my tech geek, made it even better by putting lyrics on the video). Very cool. 🙂
I know and thank you for your prayers. How have you handled those whom you know who have drifted, eventually maybe defecting? (This is not an argument for/against eternal security).
I go for such long stretches where I don’t hear even the slightest murmur from my God, that I have my own seasons of doubt and questioning. I know about drifting. I have said it before and will likely say it again, God is way too subtle for my wiring. I can totally understand how someone, especially after a prolonged season of pain and questioning, decides that holding out hope for a savior to bring some hope and relieve isn’t working for them. That said, my wife leaving me turned out to be my Damascus road moment.
We’ve all been there Daniel. I know I have. One of the lessons Jeremiah teaches us is drifting often happens during times of blessing. Sounds like your test proved to be the moment of truth for you.
I counsel with them, talk to them, and pray for them. If they don’t want counseling and talk, I pray. And I try to trust the sovereign God to draw them back.
we can make all our human efforts, but ultimately we sometimes have to trust.
I think the steady decline of membership in organized religion and the decline in attendance in churches indicates a growing irrelevance of what used to be an important part of peoples social life. Young people in particular find the dogma out of touch with their own views of equality, justice and social responsibility. The Jesus business has no doubt been harmed by it’s mega million $ preachers, the Catholic hierarchy perpetuation of child abuse, the evangelicals wacko right wing political stance on welfare, gay rights, immigration, and constant drip drip of trying to force their religion on others in the public square.
It amazes me how many people haven’t defected.
There is no doubt your examples have contributed to the decline Jeff. I wonder how much of it is just pure neglect/lack of desire for spiritual things and an “I just don’t give a rip” attitude.
I speak to them about the promises that God made to them in their Baptism.
I remind them that He adopted them in that Baptism and that they belong to Him.
And that He never forgets His children.
__
I remind myself of those things, daily. For I drift away each day, also.
it is important to remind Steve. It is also important to remember He doesn’t forget His children. As for struggling daily, we are in the same boat.
It always makes me think of the parable of the seeds. Gifted people often use the gifts of their flesh with little thought to the origin of their gifts. Legalism is hollow and dead… If their is no foundation, how can one build anything of lasting value and strength. Templeton built his house upon sand…
Praying for you, Bill. We don’t need to reach masses, just one heart might be God’s target in our lives… like Billy Graham’s was…
Thanks Floyd for your prayers. i will email you a person thought. You are right about Templeton…about many of us…building our houses on sand.
That is one of the saddest stories. Lee Strobel interviewed him for his Bible study, the Case for Faith. I heard another interview with him in which he was asked about Jesus. He said, “I miss Him.” I am hopeful this means that he may have truly known the Lord, but drifted far away as you say.
I wanted to give you a heads up on something. I am not drifting, but I am going to be putting The Inspired Day on hold (I’ll post about it, of course). I feel led to work on a project that my husband says “God has been preparing me for all along.” I won’t be disappearing from your blog though! Thanks for the inspiration.
It is a sad story Melanie and I also read that story in Strobel’s book. Charles recently died and i wonder if he ever returned. BTW: thanks for the input. I plan to use the “I miss Him” in my sermon. I had forgotten that.
Look forward to hearing about your new venture.
I’ve got a son who’s adrift at this time trying to find himself. I pray for him regularly. I very good example of someone straying from God is Solomon. Blessed with wisdom and riches beyond any man who has ever lived later builds pagan temples for his wives. That’s what happens when we lose focus.
Mike..me too! And the pain is too much. I want to wave at him, “the bridge is out”, but he thinks he’s on another path. I’m praying with you for your son. Do the same for mine!
Such a sad situation for both of you. I can join you with another relative of mine. Not a son or daughter but someone close.
Pray for my son too..
let’s join together in this. An unnamed member of my family is on my list.
My husband reminds me often of how long suffering God is. He got saved at 13, drifted at 17, did not even know I John 1:9 existed. Age 34 he came back to the Lord, (that’s the term we use in Kentucky). Has been a Psalm 1 man ever since. Will pray.
Had a very good friend drift about a year and a half ago. My efforts to reach her basically failed. I’m still heartbroken over it. Don’t understand how she can say, “I’m as close to Jesus as I’ve ever been” and at the same time leave her husband and her church family and move away. Makes me sad. BUT, I personally learned a ton from the situation. First, I refuse to go down that path myself even though I understand some of why it happened. Second, I try to notice the signs of defection in others and myself earlier and start praying sooner. Still painful to think and talk about!
it rips the heart out doesn’t it kari? Especially sad when Jesus is used as an excuse. Glad you learned from it though. Good lessons.
“There’s no such thing as ‘all of a sudden.'” when it comes to faith. Either gaining it or losing it. There is a slow slide.
I see it with sin and disbelief in my own life, that if I don’t stop the drift, I’m over the edge
So true David. I will be mentioning this truth in the message.
Christians can get into the pig-pen….but genuine believers will come out. He who began a good work…will finish it.
Prayed up pastor…you too Mike.
Thanks for your prayers Ike. I am sure Mike and David appreciate them as well.