“I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands.” – Psalms 119:176
Nothing induces panic like losing something – or someone – that we value immensely.
Your dog or cat runs out an open door and disappears. Everyone loves this innocent, adorable creature. You drive for hours searching, calling its name, to bring the furry family member home.
Worse yet, your child disappears in a busy store. You turned your back … and they were gone. You run from aisle to aisle, frantically looking up and down. Feelings you will never forget – fear, terror and regret – clutch your throat.
In both cases, time is of the essence. Dangers lurk everywhere. These creatures can’t survive long on their own. You understand this … and become totally, single-mindedly focused on your mission.
Christ came to earth for much this same purpose. In Luke 19:10, Jesus said, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” The “lost” are those who lack a relationship with Him.
Jesus can’t do it alone, though. We have a role to play. How can we help God reach lost souls?
Moreover, what can we do if we feel lost ourselves? If we’re (metaphorically) wandering in the wilderness, how do we find our way back?
Lost Without Knowing?
“But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold.” – Psalms 73:2
Problem is, we might not know we’re separated from Christ. Secular forces make it their mission to create this divide. They bombard us daily with messages of fear and distraction, taking our eyes off God’s prize.
The symptoms of separation aren’t always recognizable. Sometimes it’s anxiety, or cognizance of a void within us. We feel like we’re missing something undefined, yet real.
The uncertainty leaves us unsure and unsettled.
Or perhaps it’s paralyzing loneliness, exacerbated by technology that offers us untold numbers of “virtual” friends … yet zero human contact. In reality, we might have few true relationships. Technology works to prevent their formation. Yet, we continue to sit in front of the computer, hour after hour, day after day.
Keeping faith is not easy. The Bible warns it’s a battle. Yet going astray, or losing our foothold, is no reason to give up. Jesus wants an intimate relationship with us. He’ll always welcome us back, as he continues to bring home the lost.
Being a Successful Shepherd
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” – Psalms 23:1
Maybe we’re ready to help God shepherd those who need Him. Or, maybe we need the shepherding ourselves.
How can we best do so? Try these practices on for size:
• Pray for wisdom: We often get upset when we don’t get what we want. Yet, we really don’t know what’s best for us – only God does. Ask for wisdom to see opportunities to follow His paths.
• Seek God’s will: His plan is greater than ours. When we know God loves us, we trust Him and lean on His wisdom.
• Ask Scripture: The Bible contains timeless truths, oh so valuable in an age of ambiguity. Allow its guidance to shine light into a dark world.
• Request wise counsel: Surround yourself with wise people of Christ: clergy, church leaders and devout Christians with greater life experience. Be unafraid to pose difficult questions to them.
• Listen for God’s voice: Stop talking. Listen for God’s whisper. You’ll hear it in prayer, Scripture and unexpected promptings of the Holy Spirit.
• Trust God’s provision: God has infinite love and kindness for His children. Do you trust that He will do the best for you?
Jesus seeks every one of us, regardless of how lost we might be. In the Parable of the Lost Sheep (Matthew 18:12-14 and Luke 15:3-7), Christ describes the joy of a shepherd who finds one sheep lost from his flock, even as 99 others graze peacefully.
Maybe you’re this sheep. If not, plenty more wander the wilderness. Prepare to learn shepherding or, if already known, get out there and start searching.
(If you’re ready to embrace Christ, He’s ready for you. Visit C-Suite for Christ to join in Christ-centered fellowship with other professionals. Join us as a member. Plant a chapter where you live. Consider becoming a corporate partner. Follow C-Suite for Christ on LinkedIn and Facebook. Questions? Contact Paul M. Neuberger at (414) 313-8338 or pneuberger@csuiteforchrist.com.)
