Lost

Lost

The season premiere for ABC’s television show ‘Lost’ posed this question; can people from
a plane crash survive on a (supposed) deserted island until they are rescued? After being on the island for several weeks, the survivors try to hold on to hope. However after weeks of no signs of being
rescued, they end up taking things into their own hands.

Jesus also tells us people are lost. But what did he mean? If you are familiar with the show Lost, you know that people on the deserted island were waiting to be rescued and returned back to their homes and lives.

I believe Jesus uses the word ‘lost’ to explain people who lost their way and are desperate to find their way home too. Have you ever been lost in the woods? I have. You wander around wandering what
direction to go to find safety. I can tell you that you get this panicky feeling because you have no idea where you are or where you are going. You lack control but have to rely on some hope that someone will find you and show you the way. It’s a risky situation but you hold on to hope that you will be
rescued someway or somehow.

As believers, we are assigned the divine task of showing the lost their way. But we must also acknowledge that most people don’t always know they’ve lost their way.  They must come to a personal realization that they need more and cannot do it alone. It can be nerve racking, awkward and risky for us to share our faith. We ask ourselves: Why won’t people listen? Why is it so hard to let
someone else show them the way?

People are stubborn, prideful and resistant to the idea that there is someone that can help them. Pride can get in the way and overshadow the true meaning of discipleship.  We can be our own worst enemies because we feel weak when we allow someone to help us. But, God provides strength, courage and wisdom in difficult times if they seek after his word.

So what do we do to help people find their way? First you need to pray that those who are lost
are put into your life (1 Tim 2:1). Then, they have to want to be found, as strange as that may sound. You know that if they aren’t desperate enough to find something or someone to show them the way, then they are not ready to hear how they can be helped.

Next, you need to take time and invest in them and do life with them. You need to be authentic. You need to be an example and show Christ’s love. People need this example, especially those who have bad habits and slip into old ways.

This takes a personal investment.

Lastly, once they have found Christ, then they need to help others find their way. Our job
is to plant the seed of discipleship into their hearts. Think about the multiplication and effectiveness that God’s word can have if those of us who have found the Lord take on this divine mission.

I know that sometimes this can appear to be a large task.  However, you already know that with God’s help everything is possible. It’s easy to pray for the lost to come into your life, but when they do, you need to be ready. Pay attention to the people around you.