This past Sunday we began our series on the book of James. This series was a little delayed with my travel schedule, and a guest preacher last week. Therefore, we began in James 2. The section in James 2, named Faith and Deeds, could easily be renamed “Thoughts and Prayers”. Indeed, James challenges us to consider the genuineness of our faith, and that it should translate into our actions and love.
“Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?” James 2:15-16
How often do we offer our thoughts and prayers, but not our actions? Of course, offering thoughts and prayers is good, and we can genuinely love people through our prayers and lovely thoughts. However, there are times when our thoughts and prayers become a nice tagline to avoid action. Though, we are called to be a people of action, that our faith should translate to deeds/works of love, as James points out. Indeed, the waters of our baptisms remind us that we have a sacred calling to stand up against evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves. Thoughts and prayers are nice, our faith in action, fighting against systemic injustices, is what we should be about.
Let’s be a people of both prayer and action. Let’s be a people who move in this world, as if we have the love of Christ in us and around us.
Blessings,
Pastor Matthew
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