This message took on even more meaning to me this weekend. The kids of my church performed a musical \u201cCALLED\u201d about using the gifts that God has given each of us. How are we called to serve others? How can we use our gifts for the glory of the kingdom? How can we be a beacon to others showing the love of God?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life is full of unexpected problems and needs, large and small. Pay attention to moments when God calls you to action, no matter how ordinary or extraordinary the situation may be. See \u201cdisruptions\u201d as invitations to share Christ\u2019s love. Write a note. Visit the sick or the grieving. Share a meal.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We should always be observing what is going on around us.\u00a0 By paying attention to people around you, you may find an opportunity to serve someone in a way you did not plan. it is so important to express our love for each other not only with words, but also with our actions. When we show our love through our actions, it is much easier to be sure that we are living a life that is true to God\u2019s teachings. A life in which we can be confident and proud when we stand before God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
James 2:14-17 certainly brings an important truth to light \u2013 faith is not just about believing in something, but it\u2019s about action. We cannot just say we have faith, but we need to live it out. Faith without action is useless. To truly demonstrate our faith, we need to show it with our deeds. We need to help and serve our brothers and sisters in need. We need to do whatever we can to provide for their needs, even if it\u2019s just offering a kind word or a listening ear. It\u2019s through these actions that our faith comes to life and demonstrates the love of God to the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Think about the Parable of the Good Samaritan.\u00a0 The Priest simply walks by on the opposite side of the road.\u00a0 Why didn\u2019t he stop and help the injured man?\u00a0 I\u2019m sure he was on his way to do something.\u00a0 Funeral, Wedding, home visit?\u00a0 I\u2019m sure he had a very busy schedule.\u00a0 We all have full days as well.\u00a0 We are called to serve others.\u00a0 God puts things in front of us so that we can help others.\u00a0 However, many times we ignore or don\u2019t pay attention and walk right by them.\u00a0 We see these events as distractions, but we should see them as opportunities to serve.\u00a0 How many times has the phone rung, a random email shows up or someone walks into your office unplanned.\u00a0 We should pay attention to this, can it wait, or does it need our immediate attention?\u00a0 That person may need your attention immediately.\u00a0 They may have an issue that needs your help.\u00a0 They may need someone to listen to them.\u00a0 If the situation can wait, then inform the person of a time and day you can speak with them, otherwise take the time right then to listen.\u00a0 This situation is where God wants you to be.\u00a0 You can take this opportunity to serve someone.\u00a0 You can work a little later and get your to-do list done.\u00a0 What we think are distractions can actually be opportunities that God has put in front of us on purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cO people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.\u201d <\/em><\/strong>(Micah 6: 8)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don\u2019t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, \u201cGood-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well\u201d \u2013 but then you don\u2019t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn\u2019t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.\u201d <\/em><\/strong>(James 2: 14 \u2013 17)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDear children, let\u2019s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God.\u201d <\/em><\/strong>(1 John 3: 18)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n JUMP IN. Life is full of unexpected problems and needs, large and small. Pay attention to moments when God calls you to action, no matter how ordinary or extraordinary the situation may be. See \u201cdisruptions\u201d as invitations to share Christ\u2019s love. Write a note. Visit the sick or the grieving. Share a meal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00a0Ideas for Action: <\/strong>Take Ownership.\u00a0 Take your Authority.\u00a0 How can you contribute more to a group you belong to?\u00a0 How can you help another group?\u00a0 Practice one of the actions listed in this week\u2019s description: Write a note, visit someone who lives alone, and\/or share a meal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Prayer: <\/strong>Dear Lord, please help me pay attention to the \u201cdistractions\u201d that happen every day and let me see that they may in fact be opportunities to serve you, and your children. Please grant me the perception to slow down and put my to-do list aside to serve others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n