Faith is Something We Do

by kingteamdad

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.” (Psalm 23:1-6 KJV)

Ramblings from Evan’s dad – I told Evan that I am still amazed when I catch glimpses of real faith. It’s not something I see everyday. People are much more prone to tell a homeless person to cheer up then to help. They are more comfortable with that.

Years ago I met with Dr. Jim and a group of guys down at Georgia Tech. We would gather at Juniors Grill on Tuesday mornings for a Bible study. Numerous times I would walk up and find someone standing outside looking hungry asking for change. I would invite them in and buy them breakfast. They would stand in line with me and we would both order. I’d invite them to sit in back with us for the Bible study, but normally they thanked me, and went off to sit by themselves.

It’s hard to think back that far and remember my true motivations. Was I trying to be like Christ asked us to be, and love my fellow man? Or was I doing something very public to look good in front of the guys? Why didn’t I insist the person sit with us? They could have heard more good news then the brief sentence or two I gave them. Why didn’t I skip the study if needed and sit with them?  Jesus would have.

I am ashamed to think my motivations were shallow. Maybe if my faith were stronger, I would have walked away knowing more about them. Maybe I would have stepped in and found out if they really needed help, and tried helping them with more then a meal. Jesus would have.

My prayer is whatever time I have left here, I will look a lot more like Jesus in the future, then I have in the past!….

If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?  (James 2:15-16)