Good Morning All,
James 2:17; “In
the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
Many years ago, I went to a meeting about
the different choices for our VBS program. Most of it was pretty dry, but there
was one salesman there who brought a little humor, a little wisdom, and a
little Gospel witness to the show. He told one particular story and ended it
with saying this phrase. “The Word of God, in the hearts of men, changes lives.”
I am not sure why this has stuck with me these past years, but it comes back to
me ever so often and I stop and ponder it. Perhaps, it is because it reflects
our verse for today.
The Bible tells us this true in many ways. 2
Corinthians talks of being a “new creation.” Colossians tells us to “put on the
new self.” There is always change. We are different and we are to be different
from unbelievers. We are to think differently, have different priorities, seek
different outcomes, and live a life of action. Being a Christian means being an
active participant. Love requires action. “I am sorry” requires change. Giving
of ourselves requires sacrifice. It is not enough to “talk the talk;” we need
to walk in His ways.
God shows us his love with action. His
steadfast love is revealed by sending Jesus to die in our place. God didn’t
just say, “I love you” like he was talking about a pizza or his favorite
basketball team. He shows it, By completely giving of himself by dying on the
cross for us. He gives us life, he gives us purpose, he gives us hope, and he
gives us eternity in paradise. In light of this wondrous gift, we are called to
“love one another, even as I have loved you.”
It is a very simple truth; we live what we believe.
You cannot do otherwise. You can fake it, a little bit, but you cannot fake it
totally. You will reach a point where you say, “nah, that’s enough.” When
called upon to give to the point of sacrifice, you will walk away. When called
upon to love, you won’t lift a finger. You don’t change because you do not believe.
True faith calls for a change of heart, a change of desire, and a change of
focus. Jesus came to bring us life. He came to breathe new life into dead
people; people who were dead in their sins.
The season of Lent is always a suitable
time of the year to look at our lives and remembering all that God does for us,
ask ourselves, do I truly believe this? Do I truly believe that Jesus died for
my sins so that I can live eternally in his kingdom? If we truly believe this,
we are changed! Life giving, Spirit-laced new life appears. We desire to hear
His Word. We desire to love our neighbor, not just with words but with honest
action. We have a heart that desires to serve Jesus with all we have! We will
fall, but the Holy Spirit will lift us up again to continue our service and our
life and walk with Jesus. So, we pray to God that he would lead us to
repentance, to turn from our sin, and to walk in the blessings of his kingdom.
Almighty and most merciful
God, guide to walk according to your will. Lead us to hear your words of
promise so that we may confidently and boldly live in your holy kingdom. Move
us to love boldly, confess freely, and stand firmly in your grace. In the
precious name of Jesus we pray, amen.
God’s Peace,
Pastor Bret
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