Straying

For Friday, November 23, 2007
Proverbs 27:8

Like a bird that strays from its nest
is a man who strays from his home.

The bird that strays is alone; he is lost and in danger. So is the person who strays from his spiritual home and often his physical home. He is alone. At home he had the support of family and trusted friends. Now he is alone, trying to learn who to trust. Now he is lost, trying to get a sense of direction. He is in danger, no longer living to be fulfilled but merely to survive.

There may come a time for a person to leave his home, to make his way into the world. But that is different from straying. To move forward is the result of having matured, becoming well grounded, so that he in a sense takes home with him. He keeps his faith; he keeps in good communication with his family and trusted friends.

Straying is moving, but with no direction. It is the result of getting diverted, of losing focus, of forgetting home. Where are you now? You could be hundreds of miles from your physical home, but have "home" with you in the faith and values you have kept. You could be living at home but have in truth strayed, forgetting and rejecting that faith. Do you need to come back home? Don't know what you will find? The story of the prodigal son should clue you in.