The Hypocrisy of Faith
As followers of Christ, we often pride ourselves on our devotion to the Lord. We attend church services, read the Bible, and even pray before meals. But what does our faith truly look like in practice? The Bible reminds us that “those who are kind to the poor lend to the Lord” (Proverbs 19:17). Yet, how often do our actions contradict our words?
A Tale of Two Conversations
I knew a man who embodied the perfect Christian persona. He was a stalwart defender of the faith, generous with his resources, and faithful in his worship. But then I heard his living room conversations. He would berate the poor, describing them as lazy and unintelligent. He believed that helping the homeless was a waste of time and resources. The disconnect between his dining room prayers and living room conversations left me feeling uneasy.
The Gap Between Belief and Action
Author Donald Miller aptly puts it: “What I believe is not what I say I believe; what I believe is what I do.” The New Testament writer James echoes this sentiment, warning us not to merely listen to the word, but to put our faith into action. It’s easy to talk about serving God, but what good is it if we don’t back it up with deeds?
Getting Our Hands Dirty
Mother Teresa lived a life of love, serving the marginalized and downtrodden. Her example challenges us to reexamine our own faith. Are we content to merely talk about serving God, or are we willing to get our hands dirty in that service? Ask yourself:
- In what ways do I avoid getting my hands dirty in service? Why?
- Ask God to show you at least one person outside your normal circle this week to which you could practically show the love of Christ.
Let our prayers and conversations reflect the same message: a love that serves, not just talks.
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