We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

--Parallel verses:
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬-‭9‬
But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!‭‭

Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭21‬-‭24‬
My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

I have some friends who are river guides for Youth Dynamics and, in Idaho, we have some pretty amazing rivers to float. On a river, knowing the right routes and techniques to take when whitewater is present is important. No one wants to be floating through whitewater without a raft.

I also have another friend who worked as a merchant marine captain and then as a pilot bringing ships safely into harbor. It is interesting to talk with him and consider all of the little things that add up to a successful voyage. There are a lot of technical details in guiding ships into harbors. It requires detailed knowledge and significant care taken. Otherwise you can move or drift into areas with underwater rocks or impediments that can harm the ship.

We find in Hebrews here a strong caution to pay careful attention to the instructions given regarding how we are to follow Jesus. We are to live a life that honors him and do God’s will. And we are told to be careful lest we drift away. When we seek after the truth in God’s word, it leads to salvation.

Our parallel verse in Galatians warns that we are not to preach a gospel contrary to the Word of God or a curse will be upon us. No one likes to be cursed. How do we preach a different gospel? Sure, actual false preaching counts. But we also do this by living lives that compromise God’s truth. Some people decide to follow their own fleshly desires apart from God’s design, and then trying to get others to justify it by agreeing with us and joining us.

Instead, Proverbs tells us we are to have the wisdom and understanding of God. This is found in his Word, in prayer (relationship with him), in fellowship with other believers, and in active good works. We are to wrap them around our necks like a garland. And by heeding them, we have peace, safety, no fear, and sound judgment.

Lord, help me to steer my walk in life with you, like a ship, smack dab in the middle of your instructions for life. I don’t want to drift into false teaching or living. Instead, I want to thrive in a life reliant on you to guide me and power me to greatness! I will hold fast and hold tight to you.