More Action, Less Words

“What if one of you said, ‘Go in peace! Stay warm! Have a nice meal!’”? What good is it if you don’t actually give them what their body needs? James 2:16 (CEB)

Quite often we see the homeless, hungry and jobless folks at intersections in town. Perhaps you’ve been approached by someone similar in the parking lot of Walmart or Food Lion. Several years ago I had a woman ask me to purchase a package of chicken for her. That’s all she had in her hand so I felt “safe” in doing so.

Most of the time when I spot these folks, whether they are heading my way in the parking lot or seemingly staring me down in the car, I want to avoid them as best I can. They make me uncomfortable, I don’t know how to react, I am unsure about giving out cash for several reasons. Back to being uncomfortable, isn’t that part of our being a Christian? It’s easy to love the loveable, lend your coworker a few bucks for lunch, or even pick up an item at the store for a friend…but when it comes to those of a lower station…I’d rather run in the opposite direction!

In this passage in James, it plainly states that if we don’t provide what is needed and have only said something like in the above verse, then there is no action in which others can see us living out our faith.

I came across the following in a study on the book of James. While its author is anonymous, it goes right along with how God spoke this verse into my heart.

What this poor, naked, hungry brother or sister (in Vs 15-16) needs is clothing and food. Pious prayers will not help him. Reading Scripture to him will not clothe him. Speaking kind words will not feed him and make him warm. He needs clothes and food and if you are in a position to furnish them, then don’t shirk your duty by saying to the poor brother, “We’ll pray for you and God will supply your need.” You hypocrite, you cover up your penurious, stingy heart and clamp down your fist upon your purse by offering prayers instead of clothing, and pious talk instead of food. Listen! That is what is wrong today…The world wants action, not words and many a cheap, stingy heart is camouflaged under pious cant and hollow prayers. It wants evidence.

…God help us…(to) strive until our faith has been demonstrated before men and we are justified before the world by the life we live and the works we do.

“Giving is living,” the angel said,

“God fed the hungry sweet charity’s bread!”

“And must I keep giving and giving again?”

My selfish and querulous answer ran…

“Oh, no, “ said the angel, his eyes pierced me through,

“Just give till the Saviour stops giving to you!”

We cannot answer one for another what is right for these situations, perhaps rather than pressing cash into the palm of their hand, offer to get a meal for them or provide a motel room for one night. I know of someone that carries gently used and extra clothing items in the car.

This has been an eye-opening lesson for me, I have yet to be in a position of action since studying and writing this devotion, but I pray that I will respond at the next opportunity in such a way that Christ is seen in what I do.

Lord, you have explained so easily how we should love you and love others. We are to love you with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength and we are to love others as ourselves. Help us keep this thought close to heart so that we will do more than just wish someone well.

May we see the blessings you’ve given us as yours and not ours. Then without selfishness, let us freely share with our brothers and sisters in need.

In the One that meets all our needs – Amen! www.creatingagreatday.com