“If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them” (James 4:17, NIV).
Is it the thought that counts?
I think about human trafficking victims, even praying for them. My heart breaks for the battered woman and her children. My friends and I discuss poverty, and how significant those hungry folks are in the eyes of God…
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says…As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead” (James 1:22, 2:26).
I can congratulate myself for promoting awareness about slavery, offering a few free counseling sessions to battered women, or contributing to collections for the poor. But have I done all I can? Do I breathe and walk the life of grace modeled by Christ each day?
If my life radiated the character of Christ, I’d look for new ways to extend His love and hope to others–not just sometimes, not merely often, but EVERY DAY.
I have a commission. I know about this good work Christ has called me to do. I’ve not been faithful in working at it every day. For my life’s calling is to feed those who are spiritually hungry and poor, to pour His truth to quench thirsty minds and souls. I’m a healer, encourager, and writer, yet I have allowed every tiny thing in the world to distract me from His work.
Will you join me in asking Christ to renew His focus in and through me? I can’t do it on my own willpower or volition, nor can you. But Christ has the power to end my futile striving and craft light from my lifeclay as I submit to Him daily. It’s all about Him, from Him, and thanks to Him.
Praise the Lord!