Sifter

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat.  But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22: 31-32).  The idea of being sifted by the Evil One scares me.    

Here’s something else that scares me—make a list of every man you hope would at least consider eulogizing you at your funeral.  Now sift out:

1.       Each man to whom you are related by blood or marriage;

2.       Each man you met prior to the first day after you graduated from college/business/law or medical school;

3.       Each man who, when you met him, was the husband of your wife’s girlfriend; and

4.       Each man to whom you are primarily connected by or through your current or former job.          

Do you have any left, or did you sift them all out?  If you have some left, I contend that you are blessed.  If you know a man who you suspect would have none left, he may be the brother the Lord would have you strengthen—now that you have turned back.