Concern for the Lost

It has been said the Nero played the fiddle while Rome burned. Many historians now consider this saying to be an ancient urban legend. But, even as a legend it captures the popular view of Nero and his politics. The image of Nero fiddling around while the peoples' homes and shops were consumed by fire demonstrates that the people believed Nero to be apathetic toward their plight. Considering the things I have heard about Nero, they were right.

Today, many would suggest the church is fiddling around while the flames of hell are consuming the lives of their lost friends and neighbors. Many view the North American church as apathetic concerning the plight of non-believers. It has been suggested that we American Christians are more concerned with our own comfort, than we are with the eternal destiny of the lost. If this accusation is true, then it is a great sin against God.

Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). What does it say about us if his mission is not our mission? How can we be Christlike if we are not pursuing the lost? The Pharisees didn't pursue the lost and they hated Jesus, because he did. They just didn't get it. But do we get it? Is the heartbeat of God, as it is demonstrated by sending his Son into the world to redeem it, the driving beat of our life? Are we moved to compassion when we look at sinners, because they are like sheep without a shepherd?

These are very practical questions. Yet, they are questions most of us hope to avoid asking ourselves. However, they are the question Jesus demands us to answer. Speaking to the teachers of the Law Jesus said, "Woe to you lawyers also! For you load people with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers" (Luke 11:46, ESV). Let it not be said of us that we have been unwilling to lift a finger to bring the lost to Christ.

Are we really concerned about the lostness of our family, friends, and neighbors? Are we spending time building relationships and sharing the gospel? Are we discipling those who we lead to the Lord? Or do we waste all of our "free time" on ourselves--watching t.v., playing games, surfing the net, etc.? How much time have you set aside in the last several days to pray for the lost and hurting people you know? When was the last time you picked up the phone and called someone to offer them words of encouragement? Or to offer them a much needed listening ear? Are we pursuing the things Jesus valued (lost sheep) or something else? Friends, are we playing church while the flames of hell burn all around us? Let us be about our Lord's mission.