A Life Off Course

If Christ is greater than the angels (and He is) then what Christ has said must be elevated to a place in our hearts far above any other word. Because Christ is the author of the new covenant and the truth about salvation, we must give priority to the revealed Word of God. If we don't we will find ourselves drifting away from the life God intended for us to live.
What might the consequences be if we were to neglect or make light of such as great salvation that has been bestowed upon us?
God, through chastisement, proves His love for His children by not letting us slip too far away. What kind of love would it be is God knew what was best for us yet did not intervene when we drift off course and slipped away from the Christian life?