by J. Randal Matheny

"My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover a multitude of sins" (James 5:19-20, NIV).

Wandering from the truth: No effort required, no goal need be established. Just lay back, feel the drift, and the world will ease you downstream, away from the truth.

Bringing back: Stand in the gap, point the way back, signal the dangers, pour out concerns in prayer, extend forgiveness. Jude calls it snatching them from the fire to save them (v. 23). Paul terms it a gentle restoring (Galatians 6:1). What a balance of tough poise and meek strength!

And from the one who returns: Hot tears of repentance, prayers for forgiveness, frank confessions, efforts at restitution, breaking away from sticky habits and false friends, getting up the eighth time after seven falls (Proverbs 24:16).

You can wander away, but you never just wander back. You can stray from the path, but never get back on it by accident.

To go astray, do nothing, and you'll get lost fast. To remain faithful, or to come back to the fold, or to bring one back from the brink of hell, every ounce of energy is required.

Which are you doing?