As a continuation of Driftology 101, I would like to comment on a few points of that article.

1. The example I gave was “real-time”, real life example.  It was not given to “get back” at anyone in particular, but just a documentation of a real, present-day drift.

2. Some may say, “But what is wrong with shortening the skirt from mid-calf to knees?”  The problem with drift is that it will not stop at the knees.  Yes, it might stop at the knees for the first generation of drifters, but the second generation of drifters will always take it x-degrees further.

3. God is not so much concerned as to exactly where we are at, but where are we headed.  More like the world, or less like the world?  More inclinations to the flesh, or less?

Now, as the main point for this post, I would like to tlak about the difference between drifting and falling overboard.  My analogy may not be the best, but take it for what it is meant to be: the distinction between a fall and backsliding.

Suppose John Doe is in the river of life.  He has set his boat against the current of human tendency and is rowing towards godliness, charity, and holiness.  In a turbulent section of the river, John makes the stupid mistake of standing up and looking back over his shoulder.  The boat hits a turbulent wave of water at that moment and John falls overboard.

A fellow-boater rescues him, and soon John, shaken but grateful, is back in his place, oars in hand.

John was not guilty of drifting.

A person that happens to fall into a sin while in this pilgrimage is not necessarily a drifter.  The drifter may well console himself by looking at John Doe and thinking, “At least I am still in my boat!”  He is hanging on for all his might so that he does not fall overboard, but he is not rowing, and the stream is carrying him along on a downward course.

To speak without allegory, John Doe may fall into something dreadful, like willfully lusting at the magazine covers at the Wal-mart checkout.  It is not a habit, but he happens to be off-guard one day, and “Splash!”, there he falls.

He has not drifted.  When he recovers, he is still dead-set against pornography as he ever was, and none of his other personal convictions have slipped an inch.  He confesses before the brethren with tears, pleading for the prayers of the saints.  Meanwhile, Joe Drifter kind of pats himself on the back.  He has just slipped downstream in his convictions a few yards, and feels a bit put out that John Doe had just moved past him, going in the other direction.  So when he sees John Doe fall overboard, he shakes his head with a smirk- “Yeh, look at those folks upstream…”

Next, Lord willing: How can we discern if we are drifting?