Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1: 22 & 27
“What are you doing for the widows and orphans?” God’s question stunned me. I felt like I was doing enough for God; I did not know how I would fit one more assignment on my plate.
I was studying God’s Word in seminary classes. I taught His Word in Sunday School at church. I organized Bible studies for others to feast on His Word. I was training up future leaders in my church. My whole life revolved around God and His Word. But He wanted to know what I was ‘doing’ for the widows and orphans.
Nothing. I had to admit that I was not involved in any justice or compassion ministry. I was ‘doing’ nothing for God’s widows and orphans.
I was like that crowd that followed Jesus. The crowd had listened to His teachings and ate His supernatural bread, but they were not true disciples. Notice, that they consumed the Bread of Life (Jesus), but they would not act on it. When Jesus’ words became too hard to swallow, the crowd dispersed. Like the crowd, I was consuming the Bread of Life, but not acting on it.
Soaking in the Word of God is good. In fact, we need a continual renewing of our mind from the Word (Rom. 12:2). Yet, at some point, Jesus will call us to act on His Word. We will need to ‘do’ the Word.
That was God’s question to me, “What are you ‘doing’ for the widows and orphans?” I desire to be a true disciple. I did not want to leave Jesus, like the crowds did. So, I volunteered with a ministry that fed the homeless. I also organized several groups of neighbors and friends to do the same. The conviction of the Holy Spirit led me to act on the Word that I love.
Thought for the day: God longs to see His Word manifest in me.
Prayer: Father, thank You for pushing me out of my church and into the world. Keep me ever in Your Word and serving Your people.