"Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins."
James 5:19-20
There is no shortage of needs in the world. When we think of the "lost" our minds automatically pigeon-hole the group of people who have never heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Maybe we think of people in distant lands who speak foreign languages. It is likely we do not consider the regular church goer to be included in the lost. Even more incredible, we hardly believe a lost person could be a born-again Christian!
Wait a second, you might be thinking. What do you mean that a Christian can be lost? I do not mean "lost" as far as eternally lost and doomed to hell, but lost in the sense they have wandered from the truth. To illustrate the point, let's say you decide to hike in a thickly wooded area, at first careful to follow the path. As you continue to explore and are caught up in the raw beauty of your surroundings, after a while you realize you are no longer on a clear trail. Do you know where you are? You would likely be able to supply general answers. You would know if you were in a national park, or maybe know the reserve name, or the suburb you parked in before the trek. But though you know your basic location, you have become lost without a sense of direction. A lost man often does not know where or when he became lost and cannot find his way back without outside help.
How horrible would it be if people knew you had taken a trek into the woods but did not search for you because they were assured of your competence! "He knows these woods like the back of his hand," they might say to each other. "Maybe he decided to camp out overnight under the stars. I'm sure he is prepared for that storm rolling in." At that precise moment you would likely be panicked because you have lost your way and are unprepared. Even worse, no one even thinks of looking for you because they are certain of your abilities. Do you know this constantly happens in church fellowships today? Church leaders and congregants can come to church with smiles and firm handshakes but be neck-deep in a spiritual slough. People might become isolated or disillusioned because they have wandered from communion with Jesus. Some shrug their shoulders and say, "Well, at least he's saved." God forbid!
The scripture in James makes it clear he is referring to people who once walked on the true path of following Jesus. But for whatever reason, they have wandered from fellowship with Christ and are for the lack of a better word, lost. Galatians 6:1 says, "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted." Christians can be ensnared by sin. They can also be hopelessly confused or stuck. The devil has whispered in their ear so long they don't know what to think or do. A strong man can fall into a hole too deep to climb out of by himself. How necessary it is that brothers and sisters in Christ would commit such a one to prayer and take all practical steps to assist that person. Restoration should be as important ministry of the church as evangelism. Even the redeemed must often be restored.
Christ has given us the victory through His shed blood. But that doesn't mean we always walk in the victory He has provided. As your body is conscious to protect all parts from harm and injury, the Body of Christ is designed for every part to be cognisant of the pain of other parts. We are all accountable unto God and to each other. The Law given to Moses states that if you saw your neighbor's ox wandering it was your responsibility to retrieve it so it wouldn't be lost, injured, or stolen. If we should be watchful for wandering livestock, shouldn't we be mindful of our brothers and sisters in Christ who have wandered? You have the opportunity to bring a soul back from sinning against the LORD and giving occasions for Christ's name to be blasphemed. Yes, we have a God-given duty to intervene with love to restore such a one with grace and mercy.
Galatians 6:10 says, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." Apart from the grace of God, we would be eternally lost. Take every opportunity to restore those who have wandered from God and need help. Love keeps no record of wrongs. I have heard people define God's "agapao" and "agape" love as unconditional, but that is incomplete: it means, "the active love of God for His Son and His people, and the active love His people are to have for God, each other, and even enemies" (Strong's Concordance). ALL lost people both inside and outside the church need God's pursuing, active love revealed through us. LORD Jesus, teach us to love and pursue like you!
Amen! Well said; great analogy; we would do well to take heed!
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