On My Heart: "Do the Word"
I was going through a devotional book that I have, "Walk with God", the One Year Devotional, by Chris Tiegreen and found something that struck my heart. There was a passage and I wanted to share it, especially in light of the holidays.
I know how easy it is to to get wrapped up in the holiday spirits- baking, parties, shopping and planning trips, etc., We tend to loose the real idea and meaning behind Christmas- especially for those of us as Christians. When it's hardest to do is speak our words of what we know, but to follow through and show action is another.
We are quick to judge and easily condemn those for not doing exactly what we think they should do- or how we think they should live their lives. When in fact, God teaches us to "not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. DO what it says." - James 1:22
When we have those that are in needs (loved friends and family members, or strangers we may come across), it's not merely just a kind word or reminder that God is there for them, but it's our actions that they need- a VISIBLE ILLUSTRATION. I think of my boys and how that's the very thing they more likely respond to- other than a word or lecture from me- but it is in my actions that I teach the most to them. How are we to think that there are others out there (wounded and still childlike) who do not still respond the same way?
"FAITH WITHOUT WORKS CANNOT PLEASE, NOR CAN GOOD WORKS WITHOUT FAITH." - The Venerable Bede
Furthermore, I believe we are called as Christians (and not just at Christmas, but 365 days a year) to continue to work towards SHOWING Christ's love, not just preaching.
As mentioned in the passage, "an unbelieving world watches too. It does not care about the intricacies of our theology...unbelievers want to see what faith looks like, and the only way to speak on those terms is to ACT."
"The Word is only ours when we have acted on it. It is only effective when we've allowed God to move it from our minds into our hearts, and then outward int our actions. Anything else will lull us into a false sense of security."
I think this passage is now more important than every- especially living in the "techno" bound world that we are encompassed in. It's too easy for us to write a kind word on facebook, or send a text in email- but it's more effective and more time to get up and go to that person that is grieving or hurting and show love. To give other's our time, our presence and our help.
We are here as Christian's to do HIS work- to be his disciples- is there anyone you know that is hurting? That needs a visit? That needs your time? Can you combine the good works with the faith that we have?
I know how easy it is to to get wrapped up in the holiday spirits- baking, parties, shopping and planning trips, etc., We tend to loose the real idea and meaning behind Christmas- especially for those of us as Christians. When it's hardest to do is speak our words of what we know, but to follow through and show action is another.
We are quick to judge and easily condemn those for not doing exactly what we think they should do- or how we think they should live their lives. When in fact, God teaches us to "not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. DO what it says." - James 1:22
When we have those that are in needs (loved friends and family members, or strangers we may come across), it's not merely just a kind word or reminder that God is there for them, but it's our actions that they need- a VISIBLE ILLUSTRATION. I think of my boys and how that's the very thing they more likely respond to- other than a word or lecture from me- but it is in my actions that I teach the most to them. How are we to think that there are others out there (wounded and still childlike) who do not still respond the same way?
"FAITH WITHOUT WORKS CANNOT PLEASE, NOR CAN GOOD WORKS WITHOUT FAITH." - The Venerable Bede
Furthermore, I believe we are called as Christians (and not just at Christmas, but 365 days a year) to continue to work towards SHOWING Christ's love, not just preaching.
As mentioned in the passage, "an unbelieving world watches too. It does not care about the intricacies of our theology...unbelievers want to see what faith looks like, and the only way to speak on those terms is to ACT."
"The Word is only ours when we have acted on it. It is only effective when we've allowed God to move it from our minds into our hearts, and then outward int our actions. Anything else will lull us into a false sense of security."
I think this passage is now more important than every- especially living in the "techno" bound world that we are encompassed in. It's too easy for us to write a kind word on facebook, or send a text in email- but it's more effective and more time to get up and go to that person that is grieving or hurting and show love. To give other's our time, our presence and our help.
We are here as Christian's to do HIS work- to be his disciples- is there anyone you know that is hurting? That needs a visit? That needs your time? Can you combine the good works with the faith that we have?
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