Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. Hebrews 2:1
When I was in school, I often failed to apply myself as I should, so I did not receive the grades that I was possibly capable of. I did not pay as much attention to my teachers as I should, nor did I study my text books as I should. And after I finished school, much of what I did learn was forgotten as I failed to apply or even consider the subjects that I had taken. Some of what I learned is probably better forgotten. For example, I recall cramming furiously for an exam in coordinate geometry and trigonometry, and I passed the exam. But looking back on it, I cannot imagine any situation in my life where I would use any of that stuff. I have let it slip, and I have no regrets. But when we come to things in the spiritual realm, we need to be careful that we do not let them slip, or we are in trouble.
When I see some of the young people who attend our fall conference taking notes of the messages being delivered, I am pleased. They are at least making an effort to remember and keep track of the things they are being taught. These are the young people who in the years that are to come will be the spiritual leaders who maintain the doctrines that we most surely believe. But what about the young people who pay little attention to those doctrines, and make little effort to learn what the Word of God teaches? They will let those things slip. They will let ideas of the day take precedence over the Word of God. They will heed the teaching of those who teach whatever tickles people’s ears. The doctrines that were so precious to those who came before us will be forgotten or considered old fashioned and irrelevant as these young people mature and move into decision-making positions in our Assemblies. This is what has happened in previous generations, is happening in today’s generation, and will happen again. This explains why our numbers dwindle, and why it becomes a struggle to maintain interest in preserving the truths that were once so carefully taught and established. All because too many people let slip the things that they have heard.
It’s not just the truths and doctrines that are slipping, it is also the lives and testimonies of the Christians. The Word of God instructs Christians to ‘be ye holy for I am holy (1 Peter 1:16). But for too many Christians, holiness seems to be an optional or a Sunday-only element of their lives. The Word of God instructs us to take the Gospel into the world (Mark 16:15). But too many Christians leave all of the Gospel effort to the preachers. The Word of God tells us that the Lord’s people should gather unto Himself (Psalm 50:5). But too many Christians want to gather unto high quality entertainment and fancy buildings where the truths of God take second place. How much further are we going to let things slip?
Letting things slip starts with ourselves. If we heed the things that we have heard, we will stop the slipping in our own hearts, and maybe encourage other Christians to do the same. -Jim MacIntosh