Wander from the Truth?

What does it mean to ‘wander from the truth’? This is the sort of phrase that has often been used against those who ask questions or who have struggled with doubt. But Jesus never criticized anyone for asking questions. And later in the Bible, Jude writes that we should “Be merciful to those who doubt” (Jude 1:22).

This gentle, respectful and helpful approach is exactly the how of the most famous of the Christians who lived out in the African desert in the 4th and 5th centuries acted when others in his community failed in various ways. One of the most often cited examples was when Abba Poemen (the 5th century Egyptian monk and leader) was asked how he dealt with any brother who fell asleep during worship, he replied, ‘I put his head upon my knees and help him to rest’ (Sayings of the Desert Fathers and Mothers).

So listen to the following passage and ask yourself these questions:

• When have others been helpful in bringing me back to what I hold most dear - and what was it that was helpful about their approach?

• What has been unhelpful about how others have sought to ‘bring me back’?

• What is it that is most true for me that I want to hold on to, with the help of my community?

• And finally, where do I sense I might starting to wander away from what is true - and am I willing to allow my community to speak into that part of my life?

If one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins. James 5:19-20