MInistry, Part 3

After James 1:27 tells us what true religion looks like, James chapter two makes it more clear. Faith is demonstrated by our works. The last verse of that chapter finishes the thought of chapter one ...so also faith apart from works is dead. What could those works look like? Borrowing from our excuses from a few days ago, how can we change those into actions?

1. Laziness - Go to the ant, O sluggard As we get up and start moving towards our neighbor's front door, it gets easier. All it takes is the process of thinking through, how can I seek them out? How can I reach them where they are?
2. Thoughtfulness - What about the Good Samaritan story? Can we truly pass by on the other side of the road and not stop? Is that what we want for our own children? What about the Golden Rule?
3. Fear of rejection - No one wants to be rejected, but why do we think we deserve more than our Savior? We live in a culture that tells us that we "deserve" so much more. I think it's time for Christians to live like Christ.
4. Prejudice - James 2:9 makes it clear! But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.
5. Finances - If I am thoughtful I am able to add very little to stretch a meal a long way, and meals don't have to be elaborate to minister to someone. At our first church, I used to have people over to our home after church every Sunday night and served egg sandwiches. And, there isn't any record of the widow who gave her last mite about her questioning how the money would be spent. She gave freely and cheerfully.
6. Distractions - Opening my eyes is shocking to the needs around me. I seemed to get so wrapped up in my own world that I don't even notice when someone needs help. I have often wished others would just call me when they need something, but they won't. I have to not act like the world, but go to them.

Often, I know of people who need help and am not able to help. There are many days I have gone to bed in tears because I haven't met needs that I wanted to meet. I have spent many times driving by a road to some one's house and be praying for them, because I wasn't able to stop. Personally, I may have too much of a "Martha" problem, and be too busy working. John 12:8 says For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me. There will always be someone to need ministry, I have to sit a Jesus' feet and worship Him, then get back up and serve.