Stewarding the Lost

by Tony “Bear Walks in the Light" Laidig

Over the last little while, the Church has been struggling with facing the reality that something is wrong with the system. We’ve grown used to the lost responding with disdain, using words and phrases like “hypocrite,” and “Church has nothing I want,” or “I’m not ready.” We’ve justified those responses with un-loving criticism, that they don’t know any better because they’re just sinners, and “haven’t seen the light.” And now, in recent months and years, many Christians are finding themselves struggling with some of those same thoughts that have echoed from the “sinners” for years. Are we becoming complacent or just beginning to realize that our structures have been built around man rather than “a Man”? 

My wife recently has a vision where the Lord challenged her concerning the Church. This is what she heard: 

“Do you know why the American Church doesn’t see many miracles and wonders? Because they do not walk in holiness and honor. My people either stand with their heads hung low, apologizing for their beliefs while holding their dirty hands behind their back because they’re afraid to show them. Or they stand with their heads held high in pride with white gloves on their hands, running their finger across the doorway to the lost looking for dirt…with no cloak of humility on their backs. The American Church has become too comfortable and too ashamed of who they are. I desire to see honor restored back to the Church. Then you will see the lame walk and the oppressed set free. Do you want it enough to pay the price of walking in holiness—not compromising what the Word says, but living it?”     

Since the September 11^th tragedy, the Body of Christ has been presented a unique opportunity. Most people guard their hearts and the deep longings they have. It is a defense mechanism that has been forced into place for the sake of survival in this world. Openness is often portrayed as weakness, and many are fearful that if they “let someone in,” they’ll just get betrayed again. This has been one of the great challenges of the Church—how to get the walls down and the Love of Jesus in. The tragedy that struck our nation has done the very thing we’ve tried so hard to do—it has provided an opening into the hearts of the lost. 

Many are finding themselves grappling with the compulsion that they need to pray or go to church. It’s like a homing beacon has been switched on and they’re responding. A cable news station reported recently, “We’ve seen a resurgence of public religion - Americans are rediscovering the power of faith.” So Church, what do we do? Do we respond in kind with the same deadness that we ourselves are struggling with…the stale bread and lifeless meetings? Or do we offer them Living Water and Fresh Bread? I believe God has handed us a gift of an opportunity. I hear Him saying, “I am giving you the lost as an inheritance. How will you steward them?” He has entrusted us with the stewardship of the lost. What we do now will determine the future of this nation and the Church. Scripture says to whom much is given, much is required. I believe it is important that we respond confidently and quickly. 

The enemy also has a response to those open hearts. Pray that this substitute finds no root. Burn for Jesus. Light up the atmosphere of despair with the light of the Gospel! Offer the world the one thing that will truly answer that distress beacon—Jesus Christ.