Faith Walks
"Don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves." - James 1:22
In every community there are expectations. In my neighborhood it's expected that we keep our lawns mowed. It is expected that we wave when passing a neighbor on the street or chat for a few minutes when passing each other on a walk. The expectations are different in an Amish community. When a neighbor has a loss in the family, you show up with food and help with chores. When there is a hospital bill, the cost is split between all church members. And when a sermon is preached, the words aren't simply something you should ponder. Instead you must do your part to give and serve, to fast and pray.
Here is an English translation of an excerpt from an Amish prayer offered up after the sermon: "Beseech Thee, beloved and merciful Father, that Thou wouldst let Thy word, which we have heard and received, be powerful and genuine in the heart of each one of us, and be fruitful, bearing fruit that remains until eternal life. May we through it be not only born again, but completely turned about, changed, and renewed."
Being born again is being in a state of acceptance with Jesus Christ. It is also a call to action. It would be foolish to an Amish person to accept the gift of salvation without acting upon it. Or, as we read in James 2:27, "Faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless." Amish people know that they are saved by grace alone, but they are also expected to act as those who are saved.
How do your actions prove your faith? Do you care for others differently because of the gift of eternal life God has given you? It's easy to hear God's word, but it's much harder to do what it says. Yet when you do, your faith shines and people take notice!
Dear heavenly Father, I thank You for Your Word, and I thank You that Your love shines so clearly through people living out their faith. I long to do the same, walking and talking what my heart believes!
