August 24: Insight Post by Kim Feld
Monday Insight Post
by Kim Feld
I’ve spent more time in doctor’s offices and medical facilities over the past several months for myself than I ever have. As a nurse, I’ve worked in medical environments for many years, so I’m very comfortable there. But it’s very different to be there as a patient rather than an employee. When someone offers extra encouragement and comfort in those moments, it’s a huge blessing. I have received that kindness on many occasions, and I am deeply grateful.
We all have roles in our day-to-day lives with certain “tasks” that go along with them. We can simply complete those tasks, or we can go the extra mile and make others feel seen and valued. For example, a smile, a kind word, a word of encouragement, or asking and closely listening to how someone is REALLY doing, all put our faith into action.
Let’s take a look at what James has to say about this from The Message:
14-17 Dear friends, do you think you’ll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, “Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!” and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup—where does that get you? Isn’t it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense? James 2:14-17 (MSG)
I love The Message version of this. “God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense.” This is such a convicting thought! Does my God-talk line up with my God-acts? Can people see that I am a follower of Christ by what I do, even without any words coming from me? You’ve probably heard the old saying that you may be the only Bible someone will ever read. It’s so true. Our actions can be a big indicator of what is going on inside us.
So how can we live out our faith this week in a way that sets us apart from the crowd? Start by choosing one simple act of kindness. Let someone in front of you in traffic when you’d rather cut them off. Smile and be pleasant when you have to wait in line. Ask yourself each day: How can my talk about God have feet today?
Kim Feld
Executive Director of Education and Outreach
New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
newhope.org