05.04.20 - Faith in Action
Updated: May 6, 2020
On January 12, 2010, Haiti suffered a devastating earthquake. Experts estimate that 200,000 people were killed and 1.5 million became homeless that day. Believers began to give their time and resources for people who were hungry and dying of dehydration and lack of medical care. But did you know that prior to that disaster, Haiti was the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. People had already been dying of dehydration; there were already orphaned children; medical care was almost non-existent. Why did it take a natural disaster to set our eyes on this desperate place?
Read James 1:27. James was addressing an issue in several churches in which some people had become focused on pursuing worldly riches and were neglecting to put their faith into action. James wanted the people of these early churches to know what faith in action really looked like. They were not supposed to be focused on things that don't last but rather on meeting the needs of others who could not take care of themselves. If they were truly people who had given their lives to Christ, then loving others and practically caring for others needs would be an outpouring of their faith.
There's tremendous spiritual need around the world, and we cannot neglect God's command to put our faith in to action by being His church for people who need to see Him. God calls the local body to care for the most vulnerable people. We don't do this so we can check off a box, earn a badge, or feel good about ourselves. We are commanded by God to care for people, and when we do, the world can see the genuine faith of His church. It's our responsibility to love and care for those around us. Every day.
Questions for Reflection
Why is it so easy to ignore all the great needs around you?
How should your faith affect the way that you interact with the world around you?
What are some needs in your church, community, and the world right now in light of the pandemic? What can you do today to help meet some of those needs?