Again and again the scripture affirms: Christianity = actions
By Dean Collins
The evidence of the light of Christ in us is visible in our actions more than in our declarations. When we demonstrate lives of love expressed through God’s perfect gift, Jesus, then those around us see that God’s kingdom people demonstrate the consistency of our Father in Heaven.
I’ve noticed that so many today believe they must clearly state their positions on all cultural and political matters. And if they don’t, they are pushed to declare their position so that those of different positions and opinions can clearly see what they think. This is the only way those around them can decide their position relative to their opinions. Of course, they believe their opinions to be the right ones, but they feel compelled to understand just how wrong others are. This is a growing tendency, regardless of the side or position someone takes.
Actions = evidence
Other than the declaration of Peter in Caesarea Philippi, which Christians of many generations have used as our confession of faith, Jesus and the apostles seem pretty focused on actions as the evidence of who and whose they are. The apostle John wrote that Jesus is life and the light of men. The light shines fully so that no amount of darkness can overcome it.
James wrote that every good and perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. The old hymn has the familiar phrase many of us have sung for years that expressed this thought in music: “There is no shadow of turning with thee.”
The actions of Jesus line up perfectly with the wisdom, power, grace, mercy, and love of God. He was of course wonderful in what he said when he taught in the synagogues, the villages, the mountainsides, and along the way between destinations. But the beauty and truth of his words were confirmed by his behavior toward others. From his first public appearance until his death and after his resurrection, he showed friends and enemies what love looked like and how it behaved.
Actions = testimony
It is important for there to be men and women of faith who can articulate the teachings of scripture in their writing, teaching, and sermons. But those who don’t know Jesus are watching the behavior of Christians. Many of us may never be able to speak a wonderful testimony or deliver a lesson on grace. But we reveal the lessons of faith and the light of Jesus by how we live.
Throughout the little epistle of James, we read of the actions that reveal the light in us. In chapter 2, James tells us that there can be no partiality in our behavior toward others as we hold faith in our Lord Jesus. James warned us not to treat others differently based on how they look, how they dress, or how much money they have or don’t have. This mutual acceptance of all in our worship gatherings shows that we have not just heard the words of Jesus but that we are living the life of Jesus.
Actions = love and light
Over and over again we see Jesus loving and caring for people who had a range of talents and titles. He came for all and gave his life for everyone on the cross.
As his kingdom people, we must do the same. When the world sees us welcoming the stranger, caring for the widow and orphans, visiting the prisoner, or sitting with the poor and the rich, then the evidence of the truth of Jesus and what he has done in our lives becomes visible. His perfect light shines in the darkness, and there is no variation or shadow of change in him.
Lord, reveal your light through us today. May there be no variation in how we treat others from how you treated them. Forgive us for our inconsistency in showing the world your perfect love and grace. Correct us, fill us with your love once again, and pour out your love, mercy, and grace through us today.
Amen.
Your time with God’s Word
John 1:4-5, 9; James 1:17; 2:1-7 ESV
Photo by Marina Podrez at pexels.com
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