As Christians, we are given many wonderful gifts. We are given the gift of Salvation. We are given the gift of the holy spirit to guide us. And we are given the gift of unconditional love from the one who will never leave us and never abandon us.
But with these wonderful gifts comes responsibility.
James tells us that “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead”. That doesn’t mean that action/works can earn us salvation. They can’t, because we all fall short of the glory of THE LORD. What it does mean is that any true faith will be accompanied by action. It is impossible to seperate a real, undying faith in THE LORD from good works. Good works are the response of a heart that loves GOD and has faith.
As christians, most of us tend to do great with the faith part. We attend church and pray because of our faith. We wholeheartedly and sincerily believe in our Father GOD, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and the holy spirit.
Many of us, however, are lacking in the works department. While the simple act of praying for someone is in itself a good work, there is just so much more that we can and should do. Mission Trips are a big one of these things, and I am happy to see so many Christians go on these trips or have a desire to. But there are also many things we can right here at home to shine the light that GOD has given us.
Go out and minister on a street corner or in a park(some people will think you are crazy, but who cares?); volunteer at a soup kitchen or old folks home; help build a home with habitat for humanity or another organization; take a meal to the homeless in your area or a poor neighbor; take a minute and listen to the lonely older person in your neighborhood(that conversation will likely mean the world to them).
Those are just a few of the things we can do in our own neighborhoods to help others. Be willing to give your time, energy, and/or money to serve others(especially the poor). Remember that Jesus said “Whatver you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me”.
you’re so salty.