Lost and Found

Here's my deal. I know and understand to my very core what it means to be found. In spite of attending church my whole life (except for during the four years I attended a Christian college), I pretty much ignored God. The great thing is that He continued to pursue me until one day it all changed and I knew that I had been found.

Having the benefit of hindsight, I know that I was lost before that moment, but I would have never characterized myself that way. In fact, I might have laughed at the term, maybe even been offended. So why is it that we churchy people refer to others as lost? Having an "insiders" perspective, I know it's meant in love, but it may not be received in love. In fact, it could be a barrier to someone even hearing us. I hate barriers.

I continue to cringe every time I hear the word "lost", but have never been able to offer a satisfactory alternative name. Then I ran across this post and now I think I have my answer - the people Jesus loved.

Comments

[Sheila]

I think they first need to know that Jesus loves them and so do we.

When "lost" is used in a stand-alone statment it feels harsh. The compassion is missing. "We need to reach the lost." "You are lost." By contrast, when Jesus uses the word "lost", it is in a story where the word lost translates into an understanding that the lost item is loved and is valued.

Thank you so much for your words Gwen. I LOVE you and your input.

[Gwen]

I understand why you might cringe at the word "lost," but what do we do with the fact that Jesus himself used the word to describe those who needed his love, forgiveness, and life-changing power. Luke, chapter 15, Jesus tells the story of the lost coin, lost sheep, and lost son. Then in Luke, ch. 19, Zacchaeus' life is changed when he encounters Jesus, Jesus says that he came to seek and save those like Zacchaeus who are lost. I agree with "StuffChristiansLike," that lost people are people that Jesus loves, so is it better to say in our church mission statement..."to reach those who Jesus loves?" I like the thought of "lost and loved." Do people need to first know they are lost or loved?