How can I help?

Owning the Lostness of Others

Have you ever been asked a question that evoked great thought for days to follow? During a sermon I recently attended, the Pastor posed a question that, two weeks later, is still very fresh on my mind.  He asked, “Do you own the lostness of those around you?” After repeating this to myself a few times and mulling over its meaning, I asked myself the following questions and provided the answers. 

I hope that you, too, will reflect on his original question and see if it stirs something inside you.

Am I aware of the lostness of those around me?

The answer to this question is yes and no. I believe to a certain extent, I am aware of those around me who have lost their way. People who once had a relationship with the Lord, but through the years have fallen away for various reasons–past hurts have hardened their hearts, life's busyness has taken control of their schedules, they’ve witnessed Christians act in ways that they disagree with. When the Pastor asked this question, I immediately thought of someone in my family whom I believe is lost. So, yes, I am aware of the struggles and challenges faced by people I know personally.

The reason I answered no as well is that I am not fully aware of just how many people are lost worldwide. I tend to hide from hurt. Facing the truth about how many people have turned their backs on God, or people who have never had a relationship to turn from, is too heartbreaking for me to consider. Instead, I shrink my world down to a manageable size. I protect myself from the evils of the world. I'm not agreeing with this way of life or suggesting it; I’m just sharing what’s true for me. I hope to one day work through these feelings and learn how to act on them, rather than suppress them.

Do I care about the lostness of those around me?

This answer is easy, YES! I have always been very tender-hearted, which is why I guard myself from worldwide hurt, because it’s tough for me to process.  When I see people hurting around me, it breaks my heart, and I want to fix their pain, emotional or physical, as swiftly as possible. The idea that people around me, especially those I’m closest to, are separated from God breaks my heart. 

After asking and answering the questions above, I had to pose a call to action: How can I help those around me who are lost?

#1 Pray

I try to begin any new endeavor with prayer. What is the latest challenge that needs to be surrounded with prayer? Helping those who have lost their way.  The prayer needs to have two parts:

1. For myself to be filled with Christ’s love so that I can share it with others I come into contact with

2. For those who are lost, with whom I may never cross paths

In Philippians 4:13, we read, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”  It is Christ who gives us the strength, mental and physical, to take on new challenges.  If I sincerely ask for help, the Lord will hear my plea.

In Acts 26:18, we read, “…to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.” In this scene, Paul recounts how he transformed from Saul into Paul and was instructed to preach to the lost Gentiles. I can pray through this Scripture for the Lord to open the eyes of the lost and turn their hearts to Him.

#2 Act

After prayer comes action, I believe the best way to help those around me who are lost is by loving them.  Here are simple ways I can love the lost:

1. Being Hospitable - 1 Peter 4:8-9 says, “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.”

   1. Invite people over for brunch, lunch, or dinner

   2. Have uplifting and edifying conversations

   3. Accept people right where they are

2. Ask GOOD Questions and LISTEN to Answers

   1. Ask about people and their stories

   2. Genuinely listen and respond only when necessary

   3. Listen to what speaks to their heart

3. Serve Others – Mark 10:45 reads, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

   1. Hold the door open for the person behind me

   2. Volunteer in a local organization

   3. Bring up a neighbor's trash can

      
      

Dear reader, I believe that we should, in the words of my Pastor, own the lostness of those around us. By doing so, we participate in the Great Commission.  

In Matthew 28, we read, “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

What a comfort to read, I am with you always. Jesus will never leave you as you venture into the unknown of loving those around you who have lost their way.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, I am aware that there are people around me who have lost their way. They have turned their backs on you and accepted the ways of the evil one. Lord, I pray for the lost souls right now. I pray that they will hear the whisper of the Holy Spirit to give their life to You. Open their hearts, Lord, to the truth. Lord, use me today and every day for Your will and Your mission. Give me eyes to see the lost. Please give me the desire to move towards them to help. For Your glory, not mine.

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Help others by loving them right where they are.