"If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works." - James 2:15-18
There are three "T"s, Time, Talent, and Treasure, that sum up the idea of Christian works. Works being actions taken by a Christian that are birthed out of their faith and more specifically, their love for God. We protect our time don't we. We treat time is as a valuable resource and we decide how it will be spent or allocated. That love manifests itself in love directed toward other people. Love is not an attitude it is an action. Our talents which are given by God are intended to be used for His glory and the good of others. If you could pull your talents out of your pocket to show the Lord that you have them - would they look like they were brand new? Or would they be crumpled and stained by your life's journey. We are given talents so they can be used for the benefit of others. Treasure - uh oh - here it comes! It is not just money but it can be money. Perhaps it is money that has been foregone because you rejected financial success for service to others. Perhaps it is money because your discretionary income was used to help others and not to feather your nest or enable to travel or buy the next thing that you might find joy and satisfaction in. Or perhaps like time and talents, to properly respond to the Spirit will require a sacrifice on your part.
"I [Paul] appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." - Romans 12:1-2
Feeling sorry for someone and doing nothing - meaning that the Spirit prompted you to action and you chose to give them an encouraging word instead - or perhaps not even that - a kind thought. Or maybe worse - you decided to play the role of Job's "friends" and think they needed to deal with their sin to find God's favor again. Well, those are temptations that we all must confront - recognize them for what they are and rebuke them.
That is not to say we must help everyone that comes our way. Jesus did not heal or feed everyone - but He brought a greater gift - salvation. Living water. Bread of Heaven. Spiritual healing. Our whole purpose is not just to bring temporary relief to others - although we do that - but to point them to Jesus.
"But Peter said, I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!" - Acts 3:6
You may not feel you have much to offer, but you are a child of the King and His ambassador in a world that desperately needs saving. Words may not be enough but a life lived by faith to the glory of God is.
Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone
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