From Faith Inaction to Faith in Action
In church today we heard from some of those who served and how it affected them. I joked that they didn't ask me to share because they only wanted one to two minute snippets. Impossible...
And then the message was on putting hands and feet to our faith, that basically "faith without deeds is dead" (James 2:26). Basically, we need to live our faith, not just give it lip service. This is my language, and actually the central message of a Bible Study I have that will be released in March, UNDOING CHURCH: NOT YOUR MOTHER'S BIBLE STUDY about being the church, not just going to church.
But I thought about moving from inaction to action and the things that stop us in our tracks, all basically lies meant to keep us in a paralyzed state of inertia:
- One person can't make a difference.
- I'm not qualified.
- I'm too busy.
- We're all going to die anyway, so why bother.
- It's not in my job description, my problem, blah, blah, blah...
But here's the deal, if we're Christians, we must act. "Saving faith moves your head, your heart and our hands. Faith alone saves us, but the Faith which saves us in not alone."
These words were spoken by our pastor this morning, and I wanted to jump out of my seat and scream, "YES!" It's the Samaritan lifestyle, something I have been giving a great deal of thought to lately. To have, to take, to make the time to be aware of life and needs around us, to be moving slowly enough to respond, and not simply wave off the needs as a nuisance or an interruption. To adopt the Samaritan lifestyle guarantees interruptions, but also blessings.
How do you live your faith? There is a hymn that has the words, "They will know that we are Christians by our Love". Have you read the book UnChristian? Love is not a word that most non-Christians use to describe us. Hypocrites, homo phobics and judgemental are closer to the top of the list. So do something to put your faith in action and change the perception. I know that those we served got a glimpse of Christian love through our service, our faith in action last weekend, but it is a lifestyle, not a program or campaign.
I echo here the verse our pastor used in closing, "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me'" (Isaiah 6:8). And I want to go.
Labels: Faith in Action, living faith, Samaritan lifestyle, service, UnChristian, UnDoing Church Bible Study
posted by www.kathypride.com at
10:09 PM
3 Comments:
Kathy, I was with you wanting to jump up and scream, "AMEN"! Actually at least Steve and Julianna were ready to also! Prayer walking in Milton is going to be my exercise from now on!Steve and I took a long walk around town last night talking about what that sermon meant for us. It's good to get on the same page, sometimes the kids, work, housework, soccer, orthodondist appointments, etc. just get in the way of us being able to talk...alone! We did leave a sad faced Katja, who suddenly was bored, and had no idea what to do while we walked. This child can play alone for HOURS in make-believe land with no help from us, plus she had 2 sisters and a brother home with her! I felt a little guilty, but didn't cave in to her puppy dog eyes!I'm so glad! I wonder if we could squeeze this in daily? Hmm...better not get my hopes up, but try for whatever I can get, huh? Thanks for your post, it is awesome to have a kindred spirit!
Pamela -- yes, walk with your husband as often as possible. My hubby and I try to walk every weekend day and I walk every day. We both need the exercise, but more importantly, it gives us time to gather our thoughts as to what we might say. Sometimes they are just random observations; sometimes news we forgot to share about the kids or some practical house matter; sometimes its heavy duty soul-searching stuff. Sometimes its just silence, which in and of itself, is nice to share.
Kathy, here are a few other stereotypes of Christians -- smug, self-serving, and the one I have picked up on the most, thinking they are better than every non-Christian. THANK YOU for not being any of those things, or any of the adjectives you used in your post. Both my parents are/were all of yours and my adjectives. And my mother in particular, seemed to hide behind the church and pretended to be humble, meanwhile living the most un-Christian life imaginable.
Love,
Katy
I wish Howie and I would walk together. I am adopting a "slower" lifestyle (I know, you don't believe me...) but connection and relationships are at the top of the list...and walking with him, if we ever actually crossed paths would be primo. Unfortunately, he missed the message yesterday. He rode in a 28 mile covered bridge bike ride. Then he went and watched the Patriots game with Chris (at least it was good bonding time for them) and then came home and watched the Red Sox until the bitter end of the 13th inning...Oy Vey...
So I am going to try a family dinner again tonight.
As for Christians...It took me 41 years to meet faith in action Christians. I sometimes get stuck in why did it take so long?But then I realize that God's timing is perfect, so not to sweat it.
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