James 2:14-17
My friends, what good is it to say
you have faith, when you don’t do anything to show that you really do
have faith? Can that kind of faith save you? If you know someone who
doesn’t have any clothes or food, you shouldn’t just say, “I hope all
goes well for you. I hope you will be warm and have plenty to eat.” What
good is it to say this, unless you do something to help? Faith that
doesn’t lead us to do good deeds is all alone and dead!
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
A friend posted a picture on Facebook this morning of a chalkboard that said, “Your beliefs don’t make you a better person…your behavior does.” As I read this passage from James 2, I decided that God must think that this is a pretty important message for us today!
So
let’s unpack a little. Are you a person who is “all talk and no
action?” Are you the first in line to rant about the injustices of this
world…and the last to actually get off your duff and do something about
them? When was the last time you physically did something for someone
else? I am not talking about writing a check or making a
donation…although these are sometimes important ways to help others.
I’m talking about actually preparing a dish or a meal (even take-out)
for someone who is sick, injured, busy, or just plain HUNGRY! I’m
talking about offering to provide rides or kiddie carpool…or to sit with
a child, elderly person, or even a pet for a few hours or a day – or
longer, if you are able – to give someone a much-needed break.
I’m
talking about sending a thoughtful and heartfelt note of encouragement
to someone who is going through something difficult…or recognition and
congratulations to someone who has had a happy experience, reached a
milestone, or achieved a new level of accomplishment. I'm talking about
offering to run an errand or lend a helping hand...and actually
following through on the proposal.
I’m talking about doing
whatever you are able to physically do…and I realize that sometimes, for
some of us, prayer IS what we can do. But by golly, let’s do it to the
best of our abilities. When we tell someone we will pray for them…let’s
actually lift them in prayer and ask God to meet their needs. And
let’s not just do this once and forget it…let's keep on praying!
There's
one more thing…people ARE watching…but they don’t need a “show.” They
don’t need to hear what you did for this person or that one…or how long
and hard you prayed for "Suzy." If we are living out our faith and
following through with our thoughts and actions, others will see it…and
they will want this same relationship with Jesus for themselves.
So
what does your behavior say about you today? When others look at you,
do they see someone who puts his/her faith into action? Don’t you think
it’s time they did?
©2015 Debbie Robus
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