The Deed Is the Word

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if, as disciples of Christ, we would set goals and follow through in achieving them?  What would happen if each of us prayerfully considered the direction in which God is leading us, made that our goal, and took steps in faith toward its fulfillment?

Sometimes I wonder if we have created a false dichotomy for ourselves, evangelism over here and justice over there. We want to “win souls" and “save people from burning in hell.”  While these are desirable objectives, it gives us the opportunity to set a goal for others and for God—but not for ourselves.   

The eternal salvation of others is not something we have much say in, and setting goals for others or for God is a frustrating exercise in futility.

So which goals are obtainable?  Start by setting a goal you can achieve.  How about getting to know your neighbor?  As someone whose passion is getting to know immigrants, might I suggest investing in the lives of immigrants in your neighborhood?  Help them practice their English or show them around town.

If you, like ourselves, live in a college town, get to know some international students.  One day we met a young man named Sunil, who came from India to study for his MA here at Oklahoma State University.  As we talked, he said to us, “I have been in America for two years, and I have never seen the inside of an American home.”  Needless to say, we immediately invited him to our house for dinner.  There is something like 50+ churches in the city of Stillwater, and yet, not once had anyone made friends with him, nor invited him to their home.

A great way to get to know someone is to let them be the teacher and you the learner.  Ask questions.  Learn a few words of their language.  Ask about their culture.  Ask about their foods and borrow new recipes.  Let them know they are welcomed. Be a reflection of Matthew 25:35, “…I was a stranger and you invited me in…”  

This goal will develop into a relationship.  And that relationship will transform into a friendship. Soon they will see how much you care, and they will want to know why.  Your goal, your deed, becomes the evangelism.  The deed is the word.

You can’t separate word and deed, evangelism and honesty.  If you do, you create a gulf that will leave you wishing you could evangelize, but not doing much about it other than sitting in a pew on Sunday mornings.

“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.” (James 2:14-18)  

So, set some goals. Pray that God will lead you. Then, go do it!

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