MORE THAN WORDS
Carey Madding
Today's Scripture: “If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?” James 2:16, NIV
Theme: True altruism and love require action, not simply lip service.
TWO TYPES OF PEOPLE
As the parent of teenagers, I dealt with two distinct personalities. One child was kind of passive; not really resistant, but also not easily motivated. If asked to clean up the bedroom, the answer was always, “Sure” or, “Okay!” But the work was never done. My other child would immediately start to argue, “Well, your room isn’t clean! Why do I have to clean mine?” But after a brisk discussion, that bedroom would be spotless! Which would be easier for you to handle? Which would help you actually accomplish what needed to be done that day? Action is better than lip service.
VICE VERSA
Sometimes gratitude and appreciation are hard to spot. Often, it’s not about what you do, but what you say. Did mom fix a great meal? If gobbled up without comment and thanks, the perception is one of entitlement, not gratitude. Alternatively, we most often err on the side of saying we are thankful, we believe, or we are committed, but acting in a way that belies those statements. If we tell mom thanks for folding our clothes, then fling them on the floor of our rooms, we are not truly appreciative. My mother taught me that the first part of obedience was not to call “Yes?” or even “Yes, ma’am?” But I was to hurry to her and present myself for her instruction. Actions speak louder than words.
SERVING BECAUSE HE SERVED
It is clear from the entire Bible that God cares. He loves the widow, the orphan, the poor, the immigrant, the sick, and the prisoner. God spoke laws to protect them in the Old Testament, and Jesus tirelessly served them throughout His ministry. When He tells us to do the same, we must not only meet the needs which present themselves before us. We must deliberately and intentionally look for ways to serve the people who matter to God. You may serve in-person, with your resources, with your time, and with your prayers. But if a need is made known to you, consider how you might do more than just pray or just wish them well. Do something.
Make It Personal: Don’t forget: you can help in many ways at the same time! Maybe you give to foreign missions, because you cannot go. But you can also serve in the soup kitchen or Cove Marketplace to help those who are hungry. You can contribute or work with Called to Care to provide for children in need. It is often not “either/or” but “both.” I love this verse: “You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God” (2 Corinthians 9:11, ESV). God will keep supplying what you need to help others!
Pray: Lord, give me eyes to see the hurting and the hungry. Give me a compassionate heart so that I really care about them and their situation. Show me ways to help and empower the resources I commit. Help me never grow cold and become complacent about helping the ones You love. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.
Read: Deuteronomy 14:28-29; James 1:27; Matthew 5:1-16
Weekly Memory Verse: “Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.” Proverbs 14:31, ESV