Faith and Deeds

Fred Rogers, of “Mr. Rogers Neighborhood,” said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers.  You will always find people who are helping.’”  Due to so many events these past weeks, we have seen many helpers make a difference in the lives of those who are scared, hurting, and in need.

From the beginning, founder Truett Cathy made the decision that Chick-fil-A would be closed on Sundays so that it would be a day of rest for his employees.  Even with competition, he has stuck with his choice of honoring the Sabbath.  That’s what made the opening of several Chick-fil-As in Orlando, Florida, on Sunday a noticeable event.  The workers showed up on their day off, cooked chicken, prepared meals, and then took them to the policemen and firefighters who had responded to the terrorist shootings at a nightclub.  Workers at another location served food to people who were in a long line to donate blood to people in the hospital.  Whether they knew the victims or not, supported the same causes or not, they freely gave of their time and resources to help in a time of need and to remind them that they were praying for Orlando.

There are 75,000+ people who live in Nazareth, Israel.  Around 70% of the population is Muslim, with 30% being Christian.  During these days of Ramadan, youth volunteers from the local Baptist Church stood on the streets during rush hour while the drivers were sitting in traffic as the fast was breaking, and handed out water and dates to the drivers and passengers.  Although they have different beliefs, the youth served their neighbors to show the love of Christ.

During the month of July our young people and sponsors from Tallowood will be ministering in various parts of the United States.  They have spent this year training, practicing, and raising funds.  Our junior high youth will minister in various projects all around Houston.  The 8th graders will participate in World Changers in New Orleans while the high school and college kids are on a choir/mission trip to Grand Rapids Michigan and Chicago, Illinois. 

Whether in town, at home, on business, or vacation, may we all take the opportunity to be the church on mission this week.  May our actions speak as loud, if not louder, than our words.

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their 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 my deeds.

James 2:14-18