Selwyn makes a good case for using both words and deeds to testify about our faith in Jesus. The Holy Spirit will help us to make the right blend of words and deeds – we read in the Bible that God will give us the right words when asked about our faith, but we do need to place our trust in God and have the confidence that He will look after the detail.
Selwyn says: “Those who call for words alone and those who call for deeds alone are both wrong. We belong to Him who had words and deeds in a living blend. Though it is not necessary to constantly preach at people, we must be ready to take advantage of every opportunity to share Christ … ”
It’s our faith and love of God that drives us to provide a glass of water to those who are thirsty, to feed those who are hungry and to clothe those who are naked. Yet, it’s important, as Selwyn mentions, to ensure that the various social issues ‘never become a substitute for direct evangelism – for sharing our faith.‘
The activities we may do regarding social issues can only be used to progress God’s kingdom if people know; why, we are doing the work! That these activities are outward expressions of our love for others – this love being a reflection of God’s love for us. Do you agree?
One of Selwyn’s earlier comments I think sums up this area well: “Words and deeds are the two wings of the Christian as he or she soars and sings.” This suggests that we need to keep the two in balance, and we do that by following the prompts of the Holy Spirit. We are not left alone to make these decisions – God is always with us – we need to live the truth of this fact.
Finally, the main verse for today, is really worth a lot of our time to think about (1 Peter 3:15, NIV): “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” Sharing Jesus with others should become second-nature for us – as part of our new life.
{Let’s hope, a light inside shines today!}
Words and deeds
Selwyn makes a good case for using both words and deeds to testify about our faith in Jesus. The Holy Spirit will help us to make the right blend of words and deeds – we read in the Bible that God will give us the right words when asked about our faith, but we do need to place our trust in God and have the confidence that He will look after the detail.
Selwyn says: “Those who call for words alone and those who call for deeds alone are both wrong. We belong to Him who had words and deeds in a living blend. Though it is not necessary to constantly preach at people, we must be ready to take advantage of every opportunity to share Christ … ”
It’s our faith and love of God that drives us to provide a glass of water to those who are thirsty, to feed those who are hungry and to clothe those who are naked. Yet, it’s important, as Selwyn mentions, to ensure that the various social issues ‘never become a substitute for direct evangelism – for sharing our faith.‘
The activities we may do regarding social issues can only be used to progress God’s kingdom if people know; why, we are doing the work! That these activities are outward expressions of our love for others – this love being a reflection of God’s love for us. Do you agree?
One of Selwyn’s earlier comments I think sums up this area well: “Words and deeds are the two wings of the Christian as he or she soars and sings.” This suggests that we need to keep the two in balance, and we do that by following the prompts of the Holy Spirit. We are not left alone to make these decisions – God is always with us – we need to live the truth of this fact.
Finally, the main verse for today, is really worth a lot of our time to think about (1 Peter 3:15, NIV): “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” Sharing Jesus with others should become second-nature for us – as part of our new life.
{Let’s hope, a light inside shines today!}