Amber alerts are for missing children. Silver alerts are now understood to mean an older person is missing. Our ears perk up when we hear of these announcements because we care.
What alert do we have for sheep that are missing from the Lord’s fold?
Who do you know whose name needs to be plastered across a screen somewhere within sight for all of the “spiritual” saints to see? That’s what Paul wrote to the Galatian churches:
“Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual (emphasis mine), restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.” Galatians 6:1
As this year comes to a conclusion, your shepherds are reaching out to those whose habits may be putting them in danger. How better to end the year than by seeing some of them “return to the Shepherd and Guardian of their souls” (from 1st Peter 2:25).
Can you help? Will you help? As Paul also wrote, “…..admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone”, 1stThessalonians 5:14.
Who do you know who needs to be admonished? Whose name comes to mind when you think of the fainthearted? What weak brother or sister do you know who needs help? If you like, write their names down and give them to one of us privately. We have our list of sheep needing a shepherd’s attention, but who is on yours?
We, your shepherds encourage you who are spiritual to reach out to any beloved brother or sister in need of encouragement or restoration and help us to do the same.
A “Wooly Alert” will hopefully get the attention of every child of God.