This Sunday we will discuss being a “doer” instead of just a “hearer.” I was thinking about this and realized I’ve fallen into a trap. Each time I go to the cardiologist, she very patiently sits down with me, discusses my diet and emphasizes my lack of exercise. I very carefully listen - then go home and do what I want. I justify this by saying I’m getting plenty of exercise by jumping to conclusions, running in circles and jogging my memory on a constant basis. Of course, we all know I’m kidding myself. I’m listening, but I’m not doing.
The writer of James says that “faith without works is dead.” A lot of our churches are experiencing a type of slow death. Why? The vast majority of the congregation says in effect, “I hear what you’re saying, but I’m too busy, or I’m too tired, or I’m too old.” So the church eventually grinds to a halt. Then when visitors come, they leave saying, “That church is dead. They just don’t know it.” Like my cardiologist visit, if I don’t do something, I will die sooner than I want. At Countryside, you have a group of people who are doing a lot of things. You also have a group that isn’t doing much. I believe I am doing a pretty fair job at getting various things done in the church. So even though I’ve got plenty of room for improvement in my physical life, I believe I’m in good standing in my church life. Where do you stand? In the group that’s doing a lot or in the group that just sits in worship once a week and that’s it? As the Letter of James says, “Be a doer, not a hearer.” 8/17/2015 07:50:25 am
I can say this is the perfect blog for everybody who read and post here everyday. I dont know why I always visit here maybe its so nice to read here a interesting topics all day. So ill be back more to check more updates and new comments. 9/23/2015 01:20:39 pm
We were only talking about this topic in our smallgroup last night. How timely and how consistent the Lord's message is! The struggle that you wrote about is real. It's something that most of us have to deal with--to do as told, to let application follow learning. It is not easy; and so in doing (as with all things), we tap on God's unending grace. 10/6/2015 02:30:09 am
We are doing your hard work everyday and helping people to save their time! 11/5/2015 11:25:05 pm
I appreciate your idea here. Definitely it has a good content. Thank you for imparting more of your own thoughts. Good job! Comments are closed.
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This blog consists of reflections written by the minister each week for the Sunday bulletin. We hope that you enjoy the musings! Archives
January 2020
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