In a world full of distractions and competing priorities, it's easy to lose focus on what matters most. The writer of Hebrews understood this struggle and provided a powerful reminder about staying anchored to Christ when life tries to pull us in different directions.

What Does It Mean to Drift Away from Faith?

The concept of drifting is like losing control of a vehicle. Picture yourself driving down the road when you drop your phone. In that moment of distraction, you might swerve and lose control. This is exactly what the writer of Hebrews warns against in chapter 2, verse 1: "Therefore, we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift from it."

The main message is clear: hold fast to Jesus and don't let go. This isn't just good advice—it's essential for maintaining our spiritual direction and purpose.

Remember Who You Are in Christ

Hebrews 3:1 begins with "Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling." This word "therefore" connects us to everything we've learned about Jesus' sacrifice and obedience to the Father. Because Jesus put on flesh and blood like us, we are now called "holy brothers"—set apart for God.

Your Identity Isn't Found in Your Circumstances

Your identity doesn't come from your current situation, your hurt, your habits, or your hang-ups. You belong to Christ Jesus. Your calling is heavenly, meaning your life extends beyond the here and now into eternal life with God the Father and Jesus the Son.

You are living and walking in victory because of who Jesus is and what Jesus has done, not because of your circumstances.

How to Fix Your Focus on Jesus

The passage calls us to "consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession." The word "consider" means intentional focus—to examine closely and think deeply. It's not a casual glance but a deliberate, purposeful attention.

Jesus as Apostle and High Priest

Jesus serves as both apostle (sent from God) and high priest (representing us before God). He is the bridge working in both directions—He came to us in His life, stood for us at the cross, and intercedes for us now.

What You Focus on Shapes You

What you stare at is going to shape you. If you continuously focus on your circumstances or situations, especially when your back feels against the wall and everything seems dark and gloomy, you'll be shaped by that perspective.

But if you stare at Jesus, your faith will grow. There's no doubt about it. When you consider Jesus in your everyday life, your perspective shifts from your problems to His power.

Why Jesus is Greater Than Everything Else

The writer of Hebrews makes a comparison between Moses and Jesus. This isn't meant to undermine Moses but to elevate our understanding of Christ's supremacy.

Moses: God's Faithful Servant

Moses was extraordinary. God spoke about him in Numbers 12:6-8, saying: "If there is a prophet among you, I, the Lord, will make myself known to him in a vision. I will speak with him in a dream. It is not this way for my servant Moses. He is faithful in all my household. With him I speak mouth to mouth, that is openly and not using mysterious language."

Moses was the one God spoke to through the burning bush, the one who received the Ten Commandments, and the one who led the Israelites out of captivity.

Jesus: Greater Than Moses

Yet Hebrews 3:3 tells us: "For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself."

Think of it like a tournament with first, second, and third place medals. Jesus receives the gold medal while Moses receives the silver. The comparison is weighty and significant.

Servant vs. Son

The key distinction is that Moses was a servant in God's house, while Jesus is the Son over God's house. The highest servant is still far lower than the lowest son.

When Good Things Become Dangerous

Here's a crucial truth: good things become dangerous when they replace the best thing. The writer isn't saying to let go of all good things, but to consider Jesus, who is far greater than those things.

The Monkey Bar Principle

It's like swinging on monkey bars—you move from one rung to the next. Jesus and His Holy Spirit provide the fuel to continuously pull you toward the next truth and deeper knowledge of Him. But you can't hold onto things of the past while trying to hold onto Jesus at the same time.

You can't be stuck in the middle. If you are, consider Jesus for who He is and what He has done, and hold fast to that truth.

What Happens When We Lose Focus

Fear grows when you continuously focus on your circumstances. Discouragement grows when you continuously focus on yourself. What you see and feel becomes your reality.

But when you hold fast to Jesus, you remember that He is the One your life belongs to. He is the One you hope in, and He is where hope is found.

Life Application

This week, challenge yourself to implement intentional focus on Christ through these practical steps:

  • Spend time in God's Word daily, even if it's short but focused
  • Start your day by fixing your thoughts on Christ before checking your phone or diving into daily tasks
  • Stay engaged in church community—don't isolate when you're anxious
  • Redirect your thoughts to who Jesus is when circumstances try to overwhelm you

This isn't about checking boxes or earning salvation—it's about intentional focus on who Jesus is, what He has done, and what He will continue to do.

Ask yourself these questions:

  • What "good things" in my life might be competing with my focus on Jesus?
  • How can I practically "consider Jesus" more intentionally each day?
  • In what areas of my life am I trying to hold onto the past while reaching for what God has for me?
  • When I face difficult circumstances, do I focus more on my problems or on Christ's power?

Remember, you don't have to stay stuck where you are. Reach forward and consider Jesus, because He is better than all things. Hold fast to Christ and don't let go.