I was reading the parable of the lost coin the other day (Luke 15:8) and my thoughts wandered ... what is the greatest loss that one can experience in this world?
A trinket or gift of great sentimental value?
An expensive item of jewellery or such like?
Great sums of money?
Or is it the loss of a loved one?
I concluded that for a Christian the greatest loss is the loss of one's Faith.
I am often saddened by the number of people I meet who say they no longer believe in God. They have lost Faith for some reason or another. Some loose Faith because of personal illness or because of the death of a loved one which they can't come to terms with. Others loose Faith for no apparent reason at all. I suspect that in a technologically advanced age they find it difficult to believe or relate to a super-natural omnipotent God. Especially if they have never felt His presence or experienced His love.
I suspect that another reason for losing Faith is perhaps the shortage of good Christian role models. People who set a good example of how to be Christ-like.
When you think about it, we are all role models in some way or another; whether we are parents, teachers, preachers or whatever. We are all unwittingly setting an example for others to emulate.
The magnitude of this responsibility frightens me. Being a Christian is not as easy as it looks !!!
What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, but lose his soul.
ReplyDeleteAmen.
DeleteGod bless, Sandi.
...role models are in short supply these days.
ReplyDeleteWe all are role models, Tom.
DeleteGod bless.
There used to be fashion to put fish sticker on the back of your car to indicate that you're a Christian. I would never do that ... just in case I prove to be a bad example of a Christian driver/person.
ReplyDeleteOh dear ... I have a magnetic metal fish on the back of my car. I hope I drive well ... enough.
DeleteGod bless you, Liz. Great to see you visiting here.
👍🏼
ReplyDeleteGod bless, R.
DeleteGreat point, Victor. And those 'celebrities' and sports stars that do are mocked on late night television.
ReplyDeleteI was sure surprised yesterday when, during Bible study, our leader shared (that) 63% of people don't believe in the Holy Spirit. Our Father must be so sad!
Sadly, I agree. Many Christians, and Christianity, are mocked on UK Television these days.
DeleteI guess many people don't believe in the Holy Spirit because they just don't understand; or don't want to understand, about Christianity and its meaning. It is very sad indeed.
God bless you, Mevely.
Dearest Victor,
ReplyDeleteAs Tom mentioned already, true role models are in short supply and almost becoming extinct!
The meaning of a model or star has pushed all Christian morals off the table.
No wonder all those that adhered to those FAKE substitutes are completely lost when one of life's emotions consumes them.
We have to be prepared and know what is rolling out in front of us, for all of us, throughout this 'temporary' life. Knowing that our souls never die, gives you the strength for overcoming grief.
Hugs,
Mariette
Amen Mariette. You are so right. Many these days follow false prophets of materialism and greed.
DeleteGod bless always.
💞
DeleteLoss of faith is indeed the worst of all losses. I have experienced it. It also hurts the ones you love also, I know it hurt my girl very much. BUT all is well, I am thankful for HIS understanding.
ReplyDeleteLove sent from over here,
Sherry & jack
So true, Jack. God always forgives. I know that for a fact in my life. As you say, loss of faith hurts others too.
DeleteGod bless you and your family.
Loss of faith is the greatest tragedy there is, Victor. Without faith in God, I simply don't see how people can even have hope. May we do our best to be examples of Jesus' love in this broken and hurting world.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Indeed, let us be good models for others to admire and copy. It may be difficult; but we need to live life as God would wish us to.
DeleteGod bless you, Martha.
Loss of faith is so sad. Instead of looking to other people for a role model of a Christian we should look to Jesus. After all he was perfect and we are only human.
ReplyDeleteAmen. So true.
DeleteGod bless, Happyone.
It is sad, Victor, when someone loses their faith. I wonder to whom or to what one turns in times of trials. Without faith, we amble aimlessly through this world
ReplyDeletelike the lost sheep we are. God bless.
I know of many instances of people losing their faith. It is indeed tragic.
DeleteGod bless, Nells.
For me it would be the loss of a loved one, especially if a child or grandchild.
ReplyDeleteI understand.
DeleteGod bless.
It is both the easiest and the hardest thing in the world. Mostly because we are still in the world, contending with the world.
ReplyDeleteYes.
DeleteGod bless, Mimi.