Answer the Call - Ministry 4

James 2:15-17

One of the key elements of our denomination, United Methodists, was the early societies who gathered for prayer and study. It was important to these groups that they would do more than pray for a person in need – they would do something about that need. Unfortunately many have lost sight of our heritage and forgotten this attitude of action that was so essential to the early church. Many have become quite complacent in their faith.

In this letter from James – possibly the brother of Jesus – such an attitude is addressed. What scenario is presented? What comment is made about good intentions? What must our faith have?

Too often we can get caught up in only part of our faith. We can become very good at attending church and studying the Bible. We can become well versed in Scripture and be quite comfortable in our prayer life. But something is missing.

Faith involves more than just the head and heart. True faith involves the hands and feet. Faith in Jesus must be lived out, put into action.

This passage is in no way meant to discount the power of prayer or to take away the need for compassion and strong faith. But our beliefs and our compassion must be accompanied by action. If we will believe in Jesus Christ then we must live out Christ in the world. We need to be Jesus to other people.

This involves doing acts of mercy not just having mercy. This involves acts of compassion not just the feeling of compassion. This involves the sacrificial giving of love not just embracing a loving spirit.

We are to put our faith to work by giving to the needy, spending time with the lonely, visiting the sick, and sharing the good news with the broken. Some ministries are in the church – volunteering to help teach, to help with the worship services, or to help in church functions. Other ministries are outside the church – visiting shut-ins, taking food to the hungry, or participating in mission trips.

While attending worship, praying, and studying the Bible are important, you may need to honestly evaluate who you are helping in what you do.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What work needs to be done?