my brothers keeper

James 5:19-20

There are no repeated words or lists in this passage. The key words are wander, save and cover over. The main point is that we, as the family of God, need to be looking out for one another. I wonder if James had the words of Cain in mind when he wrote this passage: "Am I my brother's keeper?" The answer through the rest of Scripture, especially under the New Covenant, is yes!
I've seen, over the past few years, that followers of Jesus are becoming increasingly aware of the role of community. I do not travel this path alone - of course, Jesus, through his Spirit, travels with me but that's not all. I am part of a band of travellers, a fellowship and I don't just succeed in my quest by getting to heaven but we succeed when we all get there together. Formerly, following Jesus was individually based - it was my personal relationship with Christ that mattered ("though none go with me, still I will follow").
James' words remind me of the team development activities I did at camp. There was a goal that had to be accomplished but if team members were run over, hurt or ignored in the process, the task was not successful. James is reminding me that I have a huge responsibility to my brother and sister. If none are going with me, my mandate is to turn back and help them find the path again, not to just forge on without them.