“Don’t be so heavenly minded that you are of no earthly good.” – anon
How many times have you heard the phrase, “ I will pray for you” ? This is a wonderful thing and offers the perception of caring and intercessory action to The Creator. BUT how many times is this phrase just a precursor to find out more info/gossip or a verbal balm to make the subject feel better? I am not talking about genuine concern and prayer, but unfortunately, the majority of the time, this is the extent of our “Christianity”. I know that we are adopted into the Family of God through Grace and not by works.(Ephesians 2:8 – 10). Many believers seem to leave their faith right there. I submit to you that Christianity is a practical life style that requires action on our part toward our brethren whenever and where ever possible. This is not to say that we should jump on the next flight somewhere to help someone find a job or empty their bank account to pays some else’s rent. Maybe I use a different currency than a lot of people, but I think that our time and efforts are more valuable than mere dollars and finances. What if we offered an unemployed person assistance by sharing their social network acquaintances or helping with writing/wordsmithing their resumes? Or sharing resources in finding financial assistance for food and shelter? Tangible efforts will not only provide helpful pushes in resolving personal issues, but it can also promote the teachings of Jesus and fulfilling the spirit of The Law by exhibiting our Love of our neighbor. We do not have to be a millionaire to be a good witness…just the adopted joint heir with Jesus, The Christ. Hebrews 13:1- 16 Brotherly love must continue. Do not neglect hospitality, because through it some have entertained angels without knowing it. … And do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.
We are all blessed with diverse talents and resources. It is our duty to be good stewards of those gifts. Only opportunity, imagination and love limits how you use what God has given us with wiling attitude and exhibition of love. (1 Corinthians 13)
James 2:14 - 26 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but does not have works? Can this kind of faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm and eat well,” but you do not give them what the body needs, what good is it? So also faith, if it does not have works, is dead being by itself. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith without works and I will show you faith by my works. You believe that God is one; well and good. Even the demons believe that – and tremble with fear.
But would you like evidence, you empty fellow, that faith without works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? You see that his faith was working together with his works and his faith was perfected by works. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Now Abraham believed God and it was counted to him for righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. And similarly, was not Rahab the prostitute also justified by works when she welcomed the messengers and sent them out by another way? For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.
May God Bless You and Yours
Gene
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