Active service not just lip service

Posted by sarahchang on Jul 27, 2009 in Daily Bread | 0 comments

I often find myself in dilemma. I know the truth and what I should be doing but I would talk myself out of doing it and/or try really hard to forget it by distracting myself with other things. It’s especially so when it requires commitment and sacrifice. In the introduction of James in the Message Bible, the author wrote,

“Wisdom is not primarily knowing the truth, although it certainly includes that; it is skill in living. For, what good is a truth if we don’t know how to live it? What good is an intention if we can’t sustain it?”

I can talk about loving God and loving others as a Christian but it could get very vague in day to day life, again, the dilemma. But Bible is very clear in its message with no room for excuses as written in vs. 28(NIV): To look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world, or (Message): Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world.

To live day to day, in self-serving and comfort seeking ways, leads to further corruption of the heart. Yet, it seems like everyone else is looking after their own interest and living well in the polluted world. But when the homeless and loveless are served, that’s when true religion happens. God’s transforming power can turn our lip service to living and active service which fills our lives with fullness and purpose.

All this to say, I have resolved to serve the needy, wherever there’s a need one by one.