Friday, March 29, 2024

Fellow Christian, Faith Is a Verb.

August 7, 2016 by  
Filed under Christian Talk, News, Opinion, Weekly Columns

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(ThyBlackMan.com) Scripture says you should live your life in such a way that those around you can see the Jesus in you: “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) I know that sounds good. But what does it really mean? The only explanation that works for me is the one that talks about service, i.e. doing something in the name of the Lord. I still believe faith is a verb.

We all know no one can live a perfect life. But it shouldn’t take a district attorney’s cross-examination to figure out where a person is coming from. The man who professes to love Jesus shouldn’t be OK with cheating on his wife, be content with a life of crime or rationalize illicit sex, drugs and satanic rock and roll. If so, then the Lord cannot BlackMan-Bible-2016be your leader, nor Christ your example. We’ve all done it to some degree, but at some point in your supposed walk with God, your behavior, your obedience, your principles and integrity must shine
through.

Perfection may be impossible, but serious effort is not only possible, it’s mandatory. You’ve got to give it your best shot each and every day. You can and will fall short, but it shouldn’t be for lack of effort. I
forget who said it, but remember this: “if you try, you might fail. But if you don’t try, you’re guaranteed to fail.” Please note that God requires effort.

Allow me to testify about what I know to be true. My Bible says, the closer we come to Jesus, the more we experience the blessings of God. And why wouldn’t we? After all, those are Jesus’ footprints in the snow. The path to righteousness is clear. The goal is simple. Be in right relationship with God. “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all things will be given you as well.” (Matthew 6:33) This “seeking” to me has always meant working in some capacity.

Jesus said, “As long as it is day, we must do the work of Him who sent me.” (John 9:4) Now none of us has Jesus’ pedigree, but I am not opposed to working for what I want. I’ve done it all my life. You probably have too. So the important question is, how hard are you willing to work knowing that your very soul is at stake? Just what are you willing to do to let the world know who you are and whose you are?

The good news of the gospel makes it clear that this is easy, if not ridiculously easy. Love God and love your neighbor. In this context love is a verb. Do enough so that the Jesus in you meets the Jesus in me. Do something, anything, that another person can’t mistake for anything else but kindness from above. For me, I’m asking God to walk with me in an effort to witness (see this column). I don’t exactly have it down yet. I’m finding that it’s not something you can study. I do know it’s triggered by the recognition that somebody needs to hear, in my case read, a word from God.

You should know that at that particular moment, God has chosen you to deliver His Word. So open your mouth and speak. This work that I am trying to focus on is recognizing that I must let go and let God use me to uplift another human being. For those of you who are used to this, you know this is a very humbling experience. But, “…If a man will not work, he shall not eat. …And as for you brothers, never tire of doing what is right…” (Thessalonians 3:10-13) In the vernacular of the day, get up. It’s time to get busy. May God bless and keep you forever.

Written by James A. Washington

Official websitehttp://www.dallasweekly.com


Comments

One Response to “Fellow Christian, Faith Is a Verb.”
  1. Marque Anthony says:

    To The Author,

    You are very inaccurate. Do your research ad don’t stay locked in the deception of tradition.

    You have been brainwashed by White Savior Programming. The Savior’s name was not Jesus. There was no “J” in the Hebrew of thee Old Testament nor was there any “J” in the Greek that the New Testament was translated from. Yeshua was a Hebrew and He was not white. He was not born in December during the pagan winter solstice. Easter is based on a pagan fertility goddess named Ishtar.

    The Christ(Kristos in Greek meaning the Anointed One) did not create ANY denominations, nor did He refer to any follower as a “Christian”. That term, according to the Bible, was used by unbelievers at Antioch to describe the followers of Christ in a negative and derogatory way. The church accepted this and used it. The Bible does not say any of the 5 fold ministry wore collars. That came from the corrupt pagan catholic church who got it from the roman catholics who got it from the romans and their false god worship.

    Even calling a minister Reverend is inappropriate. There are only two context for using the term “reverend” in the Bible. The first is that the woman should “reverence” her husband. The second is that God is holy and “reverend”. Stop worshiping a false Europeanized white Messiah called Jesus and making excuses for doing it. But don’t take my word for these things, check them out for yourself and think for yourself instead of letting the pastor think for you.

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