10 Subtle Ways We Drift Away From God Without Even Realizing It

Small habits can create distance between you and God without you realizing it. Here, with a hat tip for the idea/structure to @pdxruvim, I’ll highlight ten subtle ways this happens, and connect them to scripture verses for further study.

1. Forgetting Prayer

“Pray without ceasing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17

When you stop communicating with God, your connection to Him weakens.

2. Avoiding Scripture

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105

Without regular time in God’s Word, it’s easy to lose focus and be led astray.

3. Too Much Pessimism

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble… think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8

Dwelling on fear, doubt, and negative thoughts can rob you of peace and trust in God.

4. Justifying Sinful Choices

“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” – Galatians 6:7

Making excuses for “small” sins gradually dulls your spiritual awareness.

5. Filling Your Life with Distractions

“Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10

An overloaded schedule leaves little room to seek God and rest in His presence.

6. Measuring Yourself Against Others

“Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone.” – Galatians 6:4

Comparing your journey to someone else’s shifts your focus away from God’s plan for you.

7. Ignoring the Holy Spirit’s Nudges

“Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” – Hebrews 3:15

Pushing away conviction makes it harder to recognize God’s voice in your life.

8. Distancing Yourself from Other Believers

“Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.” – Hebrews 10:25

Without a strong Christian community, your faith can weaken, and struggles can feel heavier. We can’t do this alone. We need community.

9. Chasing Worldy Success

“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” – Mark 8:36

Prioritizing wealth, status, social media, over God will never bring true fulfillment.

10. Becoming Passive in Your Faith

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” – James 1:22

Faith isn’t meant to be passive—without intentional pursuit, you slowly drift away. You must put the word of God into action.