What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 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? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2: 14-17 [NIV]

The church works best where faith and works go hand in hand. At our church we have a desire for building community and reaching out to our neighbours - what a terrible shame if we fail to put this desire into action, through inaction. Talk is cheap, but we must "walk the talk" if we are to change lives and be effective in our ministry.

 

We are called not to be served but to serve as we follow the example of our Servant King.

 

To think about: in what way are you serving the world around you? Do you have a desire to do something positive, but something is holding you back?

 

People have different priorities, but what would the conclusion be if someone were to analyse your priorities this year? How are you spending your time? What do you talk about most? Who do you spend time with? How is your money and time allocated amongst the many and pressing demands you face on your resources?

 

Lord, inspire us to have greater faith and motivate us with a burning desire to take action - and help us to have the courage to move out of our comfort zone. Amen

 

Dave MacLellan
m2o Church Rugby - St. Matthew & St. Oswald.