April 30, 2016

Check Your Motives

14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 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? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”

Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. -- James 2:14-18

We all know that faith without works is dead. James said so and I believe it.

But what about faith with works done to earn favor and prestige? What about works done to build ourselves up rather than Jesus?

We tell ourselves we’re being charitable when we write that check. We want everyone to know that we’re “called” when we sign up to lead that committee. We tell people how hard we’ve worked to further that program.

It’s all about me, me, me, when it really should be about Jesus.

A sweet friend began a caregivers support group some time back. It was a great idea and an answer to my prayers. All of us, that core group of 4 or 5, were optimistic that it would soon grow as work spread. It hasn’t grown at all.

There are many reasons. The first is that caregivers rarely have an extra hour each week. Nor do caregivers feel they should need support. No one has time to publicize the group. And we’ve changed rooms and times again and again.

The other day this sweet friend said she might call a hiatus for the summer. What could I say? I know that she feels abandoned by the church, which has not supported her endeavor. And I know she is disappointed by the low turnout.

But when she started talking about money lost during the hour devoted to the group, well, I had to wonder about her motives. Did she start the group to add to her resume or to help others? Maybe that’s why it never seemed to work out.

I’m not faulting her. Really. I’m not. We’ve all started things, volunteered, created wonderful things, then watched as the joy fell aside. Our intentions were good but maybe our heart wasn’t on board.

It’s a good time to ask ourselves what our motives are? If we are meant to honor God in that way, He will open doors and opportunities beyond anything we could imagine. If that isn’t His calling on our lives, or if we’re doing it for our own glory, then we will falter every time.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Believer or Pretender?

Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” I say, “I can’t see your faith if you don’t have good deeds, but I will show you my faith through my good deeds.” -- James 2:18

This is the season that tends to separate the believers from those who claim to be. No. It’s not about who shows up for church. It’s not even about the big check, though that’s nice. It’s about what you do and say. It’s about your attitude and your priorities.

I’ve had the opportunity to see many believers in action these last few weeks. Some people stepped up to choose an angel and purchase gifts for that child. Others are helping with the Santa for Seniors program, purchasing basic items for those in need. We’re sharing our baked goods, bringing canned foods for local food banks and donating turkeys to local charities. We can be a really giving bunch.

But what about our attitudes? As believers, we should always seek to see others through the eyes of Jesus. But do we? Honestly, sometimes it’s hard. We want to smile and be pleasant and kind. We bite our tongues. We quickly say silent prayers. We stand in line and we struggle for a patience we do not feel.

Sometimes you find kindness and smiles where you don’t expect it. And sometimes you find an attitude and a frown where you don’t expect it either. Recently, I went into a Christian store in a neighboring town. They called out a welcome when customers walk in, but that’s where the welcome ended. I understand the stress of the holiday season. I do. But a smile improves everyone’s mood, including the person having to force it on themselves.

Another store had a totally different attitude. Things were so backed up that the clothing store manager was working a cash register too. The line was long and it would be easy to get crabby. But, really, impossible too. The employees were laughing as they worked. Conversation was flowing. Somehow the wait didn’t seem so bad because the employees’ attitudes were festive and light.

　

What if you are the only Christian someone will ever meet? What if you are God’s shining example of who a believer is? What will others see? Will they see a person claiming faith but being a scrooge when it comes to giving? Will they see a person grumbling and complaining as they face life’s challenges?

Anybody can proclaim faith in Jesus. But it takes a true believer to live out that faith. Which are you: a believer or someone who only pretends?

Friday, June 17, 2011

Let Other's See God

But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. -- Matthew 6:3-4

Why do you do good? Do you give money because God expects it? Are you kind because it makes you feel good? Do you donate to charities or volunteer your time because it’s the right thing to do? Everyone’s motives are different so I’m just asking.

I’ve got another question for you: Do you do your good works in secret or do you shout it from the rooftops? Okay. You probably don’t actually climb on the roof and shout about it but are you proud of what you‘ve done? Do you share news of your good deeds with those around you? Do you hunger for those accolades that come your way? Are you squirming yet?

You should be. Good works aren’t meant to be proclaimed on the billboards around town. Did you give someone a bag of groceries? Good for you! Thank God for prompting you and providing you with the resources to do so. Now remain silent and let God have the glory that is due Him. Don’t brag about your tithe. You’re merely giving God back a portion of what He’s given you.

Many years ago a widow faced the daunting task of supporting herself and her seven children on a nurses’ aide salary. In her testimony, she tells of not having money to buy food for her children and asking God to provide. And He did. On more than one occasion she found a bag groceries by her front door. She doesn’t know who did it or even if it was the same person. She’s a grandmother many times over now but she still praises God for answering her desperate prayers.

That’s what happens when you get out of the way. God gets the credit He deserves. He sees you. He knows what you’ve done. And He’ll reward you one day. In the meantime, do good works whenever you can. Let Jesus’ light shine from within you so that others can feel His love and His glory.