Redirecting Straying Christians

PART OF the ministry God has given to some of us is to redirect straying Christians to the sound knowledge of Christ.

Evidences abound that many Christians today have gone astray or have been led astray or have been made to wander from the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

This problem existed even in the days of the early Apostles. This is why James wrote about it in his letter.

“My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:19-20).

From this passage, we can clearly see the possibility of a Christian moving away from the truth.

To wander from the truth is to wander from Jesus Christ, the Word of God and the Holy Spirit.

To wander from the truth is to return to the world of sin. Thus, James describes those wander from the truth as sinners.

Thus, redirecting straying Christians to the sound knowledge of Christ is tantamount to bringing back a believer who has wandered from the saving grace of God.

So the apostle says those who participate in this ministry of bringing back straying Christians will save souls from death and cover multitudes of sins.

Now, it is important to stress that Christians who have a charge to redirect those who have strayed ought to be men and women full of the Holy Spirit with deep and sound knowledge of Christ.

They must be Christians who love Jesus Christ, know the truth and walk in the truth. You cannot show someone what you do not know.

Paul adds to James’ teaching when he says, “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

Paul adds to the guidelines for the restoration of straying Christians. He states that the ministers must be spiritual or mature in Christ.

In other words, they must be people full of the wisdom of God with humility, patience, gentleness, and tolerance.

They must prepare to face stiff opposition, persecution, name-calling and even sometimes rejection as they minister.

Moreover, they must avoid being proud or thinking that they are better Christians or righteous than those who have been tempted to wander from the truth.

They should know that they are in the truth because of the grace of God.

By James Quansah
Pastor, End-Time Christ’s Commissioners
Executive Director, Christ-Conscious Leadership Centre