Drifting away from God does not happen in a single day. Most of the time it happens slowly without us even realizing it. It is like a ship that slips from the sailor’s control.
At first, the movement feels small. Nothing alarming. But as time passes, the distance grows, and suddenly the shore is far beyond reach.
This kind of drifting often begins in very ordinary ways. Believe me, for many people it starts within the church itself. Many of us find a church where we feel fed and encouraged. We attend with joy. We serve. We worship freely. We feel connected. But as we grow closer to God, Satan looks for that opportunity to distract our focus from Him. And he finds the easiest way to do it by creating disagreements between members. It may start with a word or an action from a fellow believer that offends or hurts us. The wound gradually grows.
We no longer feel the same joy on Sundays as we experienced before. We sit in worship, but our hearts are distracted. During preaching, our thoughts wander.
Gradually, a feeling grows in us and we think, “I don’t belong here.” Eventually, we begin looking elsewhere. Another congregation. Or sometimes no church at all. We tell ourselves we will still pray. Still believe. Still walk with God.
That is often the moment when the drifting truly begins.
Scripture gives us a clear and sobering picture of this through the lives of Abraham and Lot.
Abraham and Lot
Abraham was a man who walked closely with God. The Lord called him out of his homeland and promised to bless him.
“I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; And you shall be a blessing.” Genesis 12:2
God blessed Abraham with land, livestock, servants, and favor. He became very wealthy.
Lot was the son of Abraham’s brother who had died. He lived under Abraham’s care.
Wherever Abraham went, Lot went with him. And because Abraham walked with God, Lot was blessed as well.
“Lot also, who went with Abram, had flocks and herds and tents.” Genesis 13:5
Lot’s prosperity was tied to Abraham’s obedience. His blessing came from being close to a man who walked with God.
When God called Abraham to go to Canaan, Abraham obeyed without hesitation.
Both men grew so wealthy that the land could no longer support them together. Conflict broke out between their shepherds.
“There was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock.” Genesis 13:7
Handling Conflict with Peace and Humility
Abraham responded with humility and wisdom. He sought peace.
“Please let there be no strife between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren.” Genesis 13:8
Then Abraham did something remarkable. He gave Lot the right to choose first. He willingly stepped back to keep the unity with Lot.
Lot lifted his eyes and chose what looked best to him.
“Lot lifted his eyes and saw all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere.” Genesis 13:10
Lot’s Beginning of the Drift
Lot chose for himself and separated from Abraham.
“Then Lot chose for himself all the plain of Jordan… and Lot pitched his tent even as far as Sodom.” Genesis 13:11–12
At first, Lot pitched his tent near Sodom.
That is often how compromise begins. We tell ourselves it’s okay. We still pray. We still sing. We believe we are still near His grace.
When the Drifting Becomes Real
As time passed, Lot did not remain outside the city. He moved in.
“Now Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom.” Genesis 19:1
The gate was not a casual place. It was where decisions were made, where leaders sat. Lot had settled into a culture that Scripture describes plainly.
“The men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the Lord.” Genesis 13:13
Lot’s heart did not change overnight. But he slowly drifted into those circumstances over time. The New Testament tells us what this life did to him.
“That righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds.” 2 Peter 2:8
Lot was still a righteous man, but inside he was worn down. This is what happens when a believer steps away from godly fellowship. The heart grows tired. Discernment fades. Things that once troubled us slowly start to feel normal.
But still, God did not abandon Lot.
God Still Shows Mercy to Lot
When enemies attacked and Lot was taken captive, it was Abraham who came to rescue him.
“So Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, and he armed his three hundred and eighteen trained servants… and went in pursuit.” Genesis 14:14
Lot was restored, not because of his choices, but because of Abraham’s faithfulness. God continued to extend mercy to Lot for Abraham’s sake.
Later, when God determined to judge Sodom, He again remembered Abraham.
“And God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow.” Genesis 19:29
The Lord sent angels to warn Lot. They spoke clearly and urgently.
“Arise, take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be consumed in the punishment of the city.” Genesis 19:15
But Lot hesitated.
“While he lingered, the men took hold of his hand, his wife’s hand, and the hands of his two daughters, the Lord being merciful to him.” Genesis 19:16
Even when judgment was right at the door, Lot struggled to leave. His heart had become attached to a place God was about to destroy. That’s what long-term drifting does. It blinds us to the love of God and makes obedience harder.
Afterward, Lot lived in isolation.
“Lot went up out of Zoar and dwelt in the mountains, and his two daughters were with him; for he was afraid to dwell in Zoar. And he and his two daughters dwelt in a cave.” Genesis 19:30
And then the real tragedy of drifting came.
The Tragic End of a Drift
“Thus both the daughters of Lot were with child by their father.” Genesis 19:36
What began as a slow drift ended in a place he couldn’t come back from.
Lot did not begin his journey intending to fall into sin. He began by leaving the covering of a man who walked with God. He moved away from spiritual accountability. He trusted his own judgment. Over time, his environment shaped him more than his faith.
This is a warning for us.
When we step away from a Godly fellowship and distance ourselves from prayer, worship, and the Word, we place ourselves in vulnerable ground. The enemy does not need to push hard. He waits for the drift.
If you feel distant today, come back to His presence. Do not let anything distract you from God.
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” James 4:8
Do not ignore the drift. Take hold of the wheel again. God’s mercy is still reaching for you.
