Scripture of the Day
1 John 3:18 (NIV)
“Action Speaks Louder”
Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
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It’s amazing how we (our country) can spend millions of dollars to campaign, but we can’t invite a hundred homeless folks over for a BBQ! We can start programs that sound good, but have no impact on those who truly need it! Of course I am not beating up on our country, nor can I admit that I am doing all that it takes. But 15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? (James 2:15-16) Action Speaks Louder than words!
As Christians, who say we love the LORD, must always be in action! We are to pray without ceasing, but that doesn’t mean you don’t take action! You have heard the “Whistle while you work”, well we should “Pray while we work” but we must always be in action. 21 Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did (James 2:21-22). Action Speaks Louder than words. If you don’t believe me . . . give one of your family members a hug without saying anything! That action will speak! Try giving a homeless person on the street a blanket and a pair of new socks! That action will speak! Now tell someone that JESUS loves them, and then show them how active HE has been in your life! That action will speak louder than words! Just imagine if you could not speak any words . . . how would you show love?
Be Active!
2 comments:
"Action Speaks Louder"
First, let me focus on your comment regarding our country: "It's amazing how we (our country) can spend millions of dollars to campaign, but we can't invite a hundred homeless folks over for a BBQ!" (2008) The nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics has estimated that more than $5.3B went towards financing the federal election which culminated on November 4th. Ouch! They estimated that the presidential race alone took up about half of that. Ouch again!
Let's Compare it to Church: The mega church on average has about $6.5 million in income a year. It's amazing how we (our Churches) can focus so much on raising millions of dollars for those infamous "Building Funds" but, we can't help the hundreds of poor sitting on our very own pews. Unfortunately, too many churches are ran too much like businesses these days.
It seems too many pastors have their sights set on building that next "mega church." I myself, never quite understood why so many pastors think that building buildings is the "litmus test" for successful when it comes to a church or pastor. Nothing could be further from the truth. Please don't get me wrong here, I am not saying that churches/pastors shouldn't seek to build bigger buildings, no that's not what I am saying not at all, what I am saying is this; let us make sure that the "first things" in fact "come first," i.e. God's people. And yes, I am sure there're many other reasons why so many uncommitted people are sitting on our church pews week after week, month after month, year after year listening to sermon after sermon, and yet, still do not understand the true meaning of being a Christian, and are not truly living the Christian life.
It's not just that too many pastors are focused on building bigger and yet, bigger buildings, the problem unfortunately, is that there are not enough pastors whom are focused on teaching the saints how to "be the church," how to "carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ," Galatians 6:2.
Yes, I believe the title of your SOD hits the "proverbial" nail on the head; i.e., "Action Speaks Louder than words!" Living the Christian life is not comprised of just going through the motions, those weekly repetitive/religious rituals. Nor is living the Christian life about our focus on legalistic keeping of Church rules and regulations. The true essence of Christian living is not even about church attendance, nor is it about our religious participating in those many religious programs that we have so religiously attached ourselves to; (I must tread likely here) but, nor is it so much about the legalistic tithing of ten-percent of one's income. So then, what does it mean, to be a Christian? I am glad you asked -- think about it, when you spell Christian, you can't do it without FRIST spelling "Christ!" To be a Christian you must FRIST have Christ upfront, leading your life! A Christian is one in whom Jesus Christ lives by His Spirit, and one who allows the life and character of Jesus Christ to be lived out through his/her behavior; why, because our "Action Speaks Louder than words."
I've heard it said, "I rather "see" a sermon than "hear" a sermon!" You can't just talk the talk, because in order to live the Christian life, at some point in time, one must walk the walk. Maybe you might also recall these words "Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? (James 2:15-16) ANSWER: our "Action Speaks Louder than words!"
All that I am trying to say here is that we just need to get off our pews, sitting is a passive endeavor, we get up off the pews in order to help one another...I am talking about helping our fellow brothers and sisters, those within mist...those sitting on the very same pews that we sit on each and every Sunday...Galatians 6:10 (NIV) "10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Therefore, let us come alongside one another."
Unfortunately, for the most people, we've defined "worthwhile ministry" as doing all that church stuff --just ask any pastor, and they will quickly tell you, that it is far easier to get someone to teach a Sunday school class than it would be to get someone to come alongside and personally disciple, encourage, or help a fellow brother or sister sitting within their mist. Saints, I beseech thee WE must understand that "being the church" is much important than doing "church," doing stuff! Being the church is much more about taking the time out to come alongside a fellow brother or sister and to encourage him/her; taking the actions necessary to help one another; simply put..getting involved!
Yes!
"Action Speaks Louder"
DON'T TELL ME THAT YOU LOVE ME, THEN FAIL TO HELP ME!
You can't spell Christian, without first spelling Christ!
Don't Tell Me That You're A Christian -- Just Be One!
Praise God, And To Him Be all Glory!
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