Pastor's Column 6/30/2024 - Men's Day

PASTOR’S COLUMN

“But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works. Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” James 2:18, NKJV                                                                                                                                                      

“Action, The Other Voice!”

One of the assurances God has given us, is the ability to communicate in different and profound ways. Being able to convey a great ideal, does not require many words. Of course, this in no way minimizes the importance of words, which can bring about change and transformation. An ancient philosopher once said, if a group of people were being attacked by a tyrant and deprived of their freedom and rights, “any voice should be raised that can break the silence” which permits such tyranny. But for the voices of prophets and sages, the world would be worse off than it could have been. Then, there is the remarkable gift of action, that speaks profoundly, where words often fail. John in his Epistle, criticized any Christian who would send a hungry person away with pious words; rather than giving them food or clothing. John said, simply saying to the person in need, “God bless you,” is woefully inadequate. It is action, that’s needed in that moment. A person must be fed; clothed; or housed – even temporarily; as best as one can help.  One of the great portraits of life is to see the beauty of Christians engaged in action. This is, intentional activity, which heals, helps, and transforms! We are indebted to James for exhorting all Christians to understand that how we live, should be a consequence of what we believe. This is why James says, “Faith without action is useless (NLT).” There are times when action has a more enduring impact than words. I ministered once to a family in their home when a son, brother and nephew - a fine police officer, was brutally murdered protecting citizens in their home country.  Months later, the family gave me a very detailed wooden mural, carved by one of their elder relatives. The mural depicted people and animals. Striking was the intricate detail: men, women, children, birds, and animals, all busy helping each other! The family told me in their country, they lived their faith by helping each other. Each figure on that mural is a symbol of faith; all engaged

 and helping the other!