Applicable Truth and the Criticality of Avoiding Faith-Based DRIFTING

In this blog, I’ll build upon what we discussed earlier about the risks of drifting in leadership — this time applying it to Faith-Based Leadership, where the concept becomes even more critical.

Strategic Clarity, Neuroscience, and Concept Awareness of DRIFTING

Let me begin with a recent story. About two weeks ago, as we were preparing for our church service, my good friend and pastor, Pastor Mike Blalock, approached me for a brief chat. He knows my background in Leadership and Neuroscience, and he wanted to share a few thoughts from his upcoming sermon.

After just a couple of minutes of conversation, I expressed my genuine appreciation for what he was bringing to the message. His points were deeply aligned with what I teach in Leadership and Neuroscience — particularly the awareness of how our minds connect with truth and purpose.

As I continue, I’ll share two key concepts and a few factors that Pastor Mike presented — ideas I fully applaud because they align perfectly with leadership awareness.

From my previous blog, you may recall this central insight:

“Drifting in individuals or teams is not something we initiate or create — it is something we allow to happen because real drifting occurs apart from us, but we permit it.”

With that foundation, let’s explore the spiritual dimension of drifting.

The Truths About Spiritual Drifting

1. You never drift toward holiness; you drift toward ungodliness.

2. You never drift into faithfulness; you drift toward faithlessness.

3. You never drift toward goodness; you drift toward wickedness.

These are three simple yet powerful truths that apply directly to the spiritual realm. But how can someone recognize when their brain is allowing this kind of drift to occur?

Pastor Mike shared a few warning signs that reveal when drifting is taking place in our spiritual life.

Four Danger Signs of Drifting Away

1. I drift away when I listen to God’s Word, but my life doesn’t change.

2. I drift away when apathy replaces a desire to gather with believers.

3. I drift away when complacency replaces confession.

4. I drift away when I forget that ending well is more important than starting well.

These insights highlight the moments when we may allow our minds to drift away from what is truly important. Pastor Mike’s message aligns strongly with neuroscience: when the brain isn’t processing properly, neurotransmitters can create emotions that distract us from what we truly seek. Awareness, therefore, must be intentional and continually strengthened.

Let me leave you with a couple of questions:

1. What must you do to enhance your awareness of when your brain is drifting?

2. How can you improve your situational awareness of factors that might cause your brain to drift?

3. When your brain begins to drift, how can you engage your spiritual awareness to realign and improve your outcome?

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Randy Swaim, Coaching for Relevance, LLC