For most my Christian Life, the emphasis has been more on intangible things. I cut my teeth in a church and went to a Bible College where the emphasis was on “Believing” the right things. We learned to know and defend our brand of Christianity. I still believe accepting the gospel by faith is the only way of salvation but it is only the beginning.

I absorbed a practice that guarding my “testimony,” that is what other people saw me do and say, was almost more important than who I was when no one was looking. I also learned to hear people share their needs and the Christian response was to say, “I’ll pray for you.” The next best response was a tuna casserole!

James says in the Bible, faith without works is dead. If a man says he has faith but has no works can that kind of faith really save him? Biblical faith is believing something enough to act on it. God told Noah, build an ark, and by faith Noah built the ark!

What I’m learning is true faith leads me to a life of taking action. As long as I believe the main thing, God desires me to live out my beliefs not just be proud of my orthodoxy! So, what does that look like? For me lately, it looks like if any man wants to be my disciple he must take up his cross daily, deny his own selfish ambition and follow Me. When I wake up, I ask, who can I serve today? Help me to stay out of your way. Let me serve with no expectation of return. When I hear someone share a story and request prayer, rather than praying for them, I pray for what my part may be in helping with the situation. In thinking more of others and how to serve people, I’ve found more joy, more emotional stability and a settled sense of well-being.

I’m looking for the next right thing to do. If I don’t know what the next right thing is then I try to do the next thing right. I’m thankful for the Spirit’s continued work in educating me to His ways.

Blessings,

Scott