Another One Bites the Dust

I don't mean to be making light of a very serious situation, in fact, it's a very heartbreaking scenario that I have witnessed way too often. And to be honest, I just don't know how to think about it.

We have all known of believers in that gather with our churches that have much potential for use in the kingdom of God. And things seemed to be going along just great, and then a little slip happens. Or they let their guard down a little too long. Or they meet friends that lead them to do things they wouldn't ordinarily do. Or they are lured away by worldly philosophies or sexual lusts. Or they go through an extremely difficult trial, and they turn away from the faith. And it rips your heart out! I found out about another this week, confirming what I already suspected--they are walking away from Christ.

The Apostle dealt with it repeatedly like in 2 Timothy 4:10 where he said Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica

Teachers, leaders, pastors, missionaries one day, then after a long, gradual slide...apostasy. And as someone who has poured into their lives, led them, prayed with them and for them, and hoped for so much through them, you ask yourself "why?" Were there things that I could have done? Did I not make a disciple? What truths did they not grasp? And you weep and pray that they would return to Him.

And maybe they will. That's my hope, that all these will be like the prodigal and come home having spent their portion in an empty world, broken and humbled, willing to labor as a servant in the Father's house; then receive mercy's robe and a ring of grace from a welcoming Father! My prayer is that they not persist in their rebellion like the apostates of Jude, and that the damage they do to themselves, those around them, and to the Kingdom will be restrained.

Let us be cautious to judge, but quick to brokenheartedly agonize in prayer on their behalf.