Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 NIV
While most translations of the Bible use "hold fast," the word, unswervingly, evokes a magnificent visual image. We may think of what happens when we take our eyes off the road for even one second and look up to find we've drifted from our lane. When that happens, we're quickly reminded how easily a distraction can become costly.
The same is true when we allow sin and doubt to distract us from our faith. At first, it may occasionally be losing our focus, veering slightly, becoming aware of our inattention, and then steering our way back on the road. However, the danger lies in becoming too comfortable with nothing terrible happening. Sure, we drifted, but we righted ourselves. Before long, our eyes become less focused on our destination, and our carelessness sends us head-on into the opposite lane!
In today's verse, Paul encourages us to hold steadfastly to our hope. There will always be distractions; the world is full of temptations. They will tell us God is not real or he doesn't care. But we can reject those assertions because we know they're false based on our experiences of God's faithfulness. We can stay unswervingly on the road of righteousness by remaining focused on what we know is true.
God, we thank you for your faithfulness to us. We confess at times, we lose focus and begin to stray. Forgive us; we pray, and help us reject all sin and doubt. Grant that our vision remains fixed on you. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
