Don’t Drift
Jude
Anchoring Our Faith in a Shifting World
In a world of constant change and evolving ideologies, it's easy to find ourselves drifting away from our spiritual foundations. Like swimmers caught in a strong current, we can be swept downstream without even realizing how far we've strayed from our original position. This spiritual drift is a pressing concern for believers today, as it was for the early Christian church.
The letter of Jude, though brief, carries a powerful message that resonates across centuries. It calls us to "contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God's holy people." This isn't a passive suggestion, but an urgent plea to actively defend and hold fast to the truths that have been passed down through generations of believers.
But why is this so crucial? Because false teachers and distorted doctrines have always threatened to lead God's people astray. These aren't just external threats; they often arise from within the church community itself. As Jude warns, there are those who "pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord."
This brings us to a critical question: How do we recognize truth from falsehood in matters of faith? The answer lies in anchoring ourselves to the unchanging Word of God. Scripture must be our plumb line for discerning right from wrong, godly from ungodly. As one theologian aptly put it, "One who reads the newspaper will know what is happening in the world, but one who reads the Bible will know why."
Consider the story of a group of friends at a crowded beach. Engrossed in their activities, they didn't notice the current slowly carrying them far from their original spot. When they finally looked up, they found themselves nearly a mile away, frantically searching for their belongings. This illustrates how subtly we can drift in our spiritual lives if we're not vigilant and intentional about our faith.
To avoid this drift, we must be deeply rooted in Scripture. Jude's letter is a masterclass in this approach. He repeatedly draws from the Old Testament, referencing stories from Numbers, Genesis, and the prophets to illustrate God's consistent dealings with rebellion and faithfulness throughout history. This demonstrates that our faith isn't based on new ideas or cultural trends, but on the timeless truths revealed by God.
However, knowing Scripture isn't enough. We must allow it to shape our worldview and guide our actions. As Jesus prayed, "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth" (John 17:17). This transformation doesn't happen automatically; it requires effort and intentionality.
Picture a salmon swimming upstream, battling against the current to return to its birthplace. This image captures the Christian walk – it's often challenging, going against the flow of culture and our own natural inclinations. But this upstream journey is essential for our spiritual growth and for fulfilling God's purposes in our lives.
In our efforts to stand firm in faith, we must also remember the importance of grace and mercy. Jude advises, "Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire." Our stance for truth should always be coupled with compassion, recognizing that we're all on a spiritual journey and that God's grace has been extended to us in our own moments of doubt and weakness.
It's crucial to understand that holding fast to orthodox Christian beliefs isn't about rigid legalism or judgmental attitudes. Rather, it's about recognizing that God, as our Creator and Redeemer, has the right to define what is good, true, and beautiful. His commands aren't burdensome restrictions, but loving guidelines for our flourishing.
In today's culture, particularly around issues of sexuality and personal autonomy, there's immense pressure to conform to changing societal norms. But we must remember that our ultimate allegiance is to Christ, not to cultural trends. This doesn't mean we disengage from the world or treat those who disagree with contempt. Instead, we're called to engage with love and truth, always pointing to the hope we have in Christ.
As we navigate these challenges, let's not forget that it's ultimately God who keeps us. The opening of Jude's letter reminds us that we are "kept for Jesus Christ." This should give us great comfort and confidence. Our perseverance isn't solely dependent on our own strength, but on God's faithful grip on us.
Yet, this assurance doesn't negate our responsibility. We're called to "keep yourselves in God's love" (Jude 21). This paradox of divine keeping and human responsibility runs throughout Scripture. We work out our salvation with fear and trembling, knowing that it's God who works in us (Philippians 2:12-13).
So, how do we practically contend for the faith and avoid drifting?
Immerse yourself in Scripture daily, allowing it to shape your worldview.
Engage in regular prayer, seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance and empowerment.
Participate actively in a community of believers who can encourage and hold you accountable.
Study church history and orthodox Christian teachings to understand the faith "once for all delivered to the saints."
Be prepared to lovingly articulate and defend your beliefs when challenged.
Show mercy and compassion to those who struggle or disagree, remembering God's patience with us.
In conclusion, the call to "not drift" is as relevant today as it was when Jude penned his letter. In a world of shifting sands, we have an anchor for our souls – the unchanging truth of God's Word and the person of Jesus Christ. May we hold fast to this anchor, swimming against the cultural current when necessary, always guided by truth and motivated by love. As we do so, we can trust that the One who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).