The One Which Is Lost

The parable of the lost sheep holds important lessons in true compassion, mercy and love. It can also serve as a reminder to each of us not to become wayward, and if we have, to turn back. All of us have strayed at times and are in constant danger of straying. We can often be tempted to rationalize sin ourselves yet turn our backs on a brother who struggles with certain sins that offend us. But we must ask sincerely and prayerfully: What does God expect from me? Are there parts of my life that I’m keeping separate from God’s perfecting influence? Can a brother or sister who struggles with sins that hurt others still be precious to God? Could God have placed him or her in my life so that I could help and encourage them to overcome?

A Little Sin

How do we recognize if we are becoming lost, lukewarm or callous to sin? Often we have a false sense of security, when things look okay and feel okay in our lives (1 Corinthians:10:12). We get comfortable with our so-called “little sins,” maybe even ignoring them or purposefully not thinking too much about them. But there is no “little sin.” “For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all” (James:2:10).

All of us at times refuse to follow His will in certain areas of our lives. We can put off the work of overcoming a weakness because it seems like a little sin that we can afford to live with. There is no more dangerous an attitude for a Christian to have. It is at once a willful turning from God and a turning to Satan’s ever present invitation to instant gratification. Any who believe themselves strong enough to indulge in a little sin without being in real danger should understand that this is a very arrogant attitude that can lead to disaster. “For if anyone thinks himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself” (Galatians:6:3).

Separation From Our Shepherd

All of us are at risk, and the more deeply we understand this, the more focused we should become on obedience and honoring God above all else. But some will resist: “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron” (1 Timothy:4:1-2
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When we sin (no matter how seemingly small or justified), we distance ourselves from the safety and protection of our Shepherd—the One who loves us so deeply that He gave up His glory and place of honor to be humiliated, tortured and put to death for us. He did not endure such agony so we could live a comfortable and satisfying physical life, doing as we please with our lives while awaiting His return. No, He risked everything and suffered unimaginably for the hope that we who have been chosen since the foundation of the world would respond to Him in kind, willing to give up everything for Him as He did for us (Romans:12:1).

In return, He is offering the most incredible opportunity to become children of God. He is offering us the opportunity to join Him and the Father in bringing about salvation, peace and healing for all mankind. Can we respectfully give anything less than everything we’ve got? We cannot. We give all, or we give nothing. Revelation:3:16 reminds us that there is a terrible consequence for not giving our all: “So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.”

We must work hard at submitting to God’s will every day of our lives. Satan our adversary, tempter, accuser and stumbling block is keenly aware and focused on our every move. We dare not underestimate his wit and determination.

Seeking Whom He May Devour

This roaring lion—our adversary who waits just outside the fold—watches for opportunities to draw away the weak, “seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter:5:8). Satan wants nothing more than to destroy the future family of God. Not only can we resist him with God’s help, we can have a serious impact on the eternal life of another individual: “Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, 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
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Satan places temptations and distractions all along our path to draw us along like a little child catching fireflies, thinking “just one more, just one more; I’m okay, I can still get back.” All the while we are being enticed further and further from home into the darkness where the evil one lies in wait. James warned us that “each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed” (James:1:14).