Thursday, January 04, 2018

 

At the beginning of the year, we typically ask ourselves the following question: What can I do to become a better and improved version of myself? This is a good question but it is flawed. This is a self-focused; it is all about me question. If you want to become a better and improved version of yourself, then you should ask yourself what could you do to make the world around you a better place. Or, ask yourself what could you do to help improve someone else’s life. These questions tend to be dangerous because they will ultimately cost you some of your time, money, talents, and abilities. The answer to the latter question will cost you a portion of your life.

 

As believers, we are oftentimes satisfied with believing in something instead of doing something. What a person believes is extremely important. However, what a person does with their beliefs is what makes the difference. Believing is not enough.

 

James 2:14-17 NLT

 What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions?Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.

 

As you look around and see people that are hurting, struggling, or going through difficult situations, as you see people living their lives apart from God, and you say to yourself: “somebody should do something about this”, know that there is good news. The good news is that you believe the right thing. Nevertheless, believing is not enough; you have to do something with what you believe otherwise that belief is worthless. What we believe is not what makes the difference, what we believe when accompanied by actions is what makes the difference.