It is estimated that annually 1.2 million students drop out of high school in the United States. In 2009 it was fully 8.1% of high school students. One source refers to this as “The Silent Epidemic” because this problem receives so little press. However it is a big problem with long-range effects. Students who drop out of high school in the United States are more likely to be locked into low-paying jobs, be unemployed, be homeless, be incarcerated, be on welfare, and have children at an early age.

It is a sad reality that there have always been a high percentage of people who once followed the Lord Jesus Christ who become spiritual dropouts. Matthew 5:1 records that “multitudes” followed the Savior early in His ministry. But their true motives and spiritual depth was revealed when He told them, “Ye seek Me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled” (John 6:22-26). It was shortly after these events when the Savior began to teach deeper truths. Many concluded, “This is an hard saying…From that time many of His disciples went back, and walked no more with Him” (John 6:53-66). For a time, there was enough spiritual interest and receptivity to make people listen. But eventually the majority fell away. In essence, many who once followed Christ wanted to make little mental effort or personal commitment. When it came to paying the price of personal persecution that came with following the Savior, very few remained faithful. As a nation, eventually the multitudes joined with the spiritually hardened religious leaders of Israel, to first oppose the Lord Jesus Christ, then to call for His crucifixion. You might say the multitudes were fickle and shallow in their spiritual interest.

Dear one, how deep is your interest in the things of God? Are you interested in following Him primarily when you want Him to intervene in your circumstances? Do you seek to know more of Him and His Word only for a time, or when it is convenient? Surely the Lord Jesus, who suffered and died for us, is worthy of our complete and consistent, sold out, loyal participation. Through good times and bad, purpose now to be a dedicated believer who makes prayer, the study of His Word, sharing the gospel with the lost, and regular worship your constant practice.