Going Astray

"My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins." (James 5:19-20)

Like our Savior, we have a duty to be shepherds to each other. God uses us as instruments of his grace to others. Any of us can go astray like sheep. One of us can wander from the truth of God's word. Unlike sheep, we can be quite willful in going astray.

God urges the rest of us to do our duty and be watchful for those who wander. God places such a high value on such shepherding work, he promises to reward it. God is our Shepherd. He cares for his flock. But he chooses to delegate to those of us in the church to watch out for each other and take action if necessary. He doesn't want to lose any of us to falsehood.

1. When did you ever notice a brother or sister struggling with their life and wandering from God's way? Did you do anything to get involved?

2. Have you ever wandered? Did anyone get involved with your situation? In retrospect, how did that work out?

3. If you've had a bad experience with receiving or giving shepherding help, can you think of a way to have it go better next time?

-- Charlie