Christians who lose their way

     This is not hard in the complicated world we live in today.  Almost gone is any sign of the oral tradition of passing on of the Story.  Almost gone is the adherence to what the Word of God says.  Almost gone are the martyrs that have been over history.  The world is changing and certainly not for the better.  The wiping away of history, oral tradition, and the watering down of the Gospel all spell doom for the habitants of earth.  Change is inevitable.  However, those who bring the change and deny the deity of God have much to fear.  Why has it come to the point where Christians are told to keep quiet about their faith and then do so?  Maybe it's because they have lost their way.  Losing one's first love, Jesus, can result in the abandoning of faith.  It's why I write the blog.  It's important to keep our eyes on Jesus and to carry out the Great Commission.  Have you lost your way?  Do you want to know how to get back on track?  Are you as concerned as Jesus about the lost of the world?  If you answer no to these questions you are in bad company.
     Pilgrims Progress was written by John Bunyan.  He had a 5th grade education but penned this masterpiece of Christian literature.  The journey of Pilgrim is told in order to show the way for those who are lost how to get home.  No one is disqualified in bringing their and other's lives to Jesus for repair, replenishment and redemption.  No one.  If you gave your life to Jesus, he's still there.  If you once followed the promptings of the Holy Spirit, he's still there.  If you asked the Father for forgiveness of your sins, he's still there.  What has changed in the picture?  The change is that you and I have stepped away from the narrow path that leads to salvation.  We have done that.  You and I.  No one can escape the temptations of the world.  Jesus said that when we are tempted he will always make a way out of the temptations.  But what happens if we like the temptation?  We step away from God and become god of our own world.
     You may have taken many steps away from God but it's only one step back.  He promises to never leave you nor forsake you...ever!  Not even when you are far from his will.  Not even when you have done the unthinkable for a Christian (whatever that may be).  Not even when you have wrecked lives around you as well as you own.  You can never step so far away from God that you cannot return.  He says that we should draw near to him and he will draw near to you.  The word says that he stands at the door and knocks (not just for the unbeliever) and will come in and have pizza with you.  Well, maybe not pizza.  I've lost my way more times than I'd like to think about.  He's always been there when, like the Prodigal Son, come to my senses and return home.  Home to my first love, Jesus.  It would be nice to tell you that I won't lose my way again.  But I'm Steve and my own worst enemy.  Just as it's always my choice, it's always your choice as well.