Faith in Action – Intensity or Consistency?

Yesterday I preached at a church that was observing “Faith in Action” Sunday. Theirs was an intentional effort to minister to the community and they did it well with over one thousand church members ministering in thirty-five locations. Intensity is to be applauded, especially when it applies to the acting out of faith. However, consistency must reside along-side intensity. While the intense activation of faith on special occasions is good, the consistent living-out of faith is also to be desired. Faith, by its very nature must be active. James writes, “Faith without works (He could just as easily used the word ‘action.’) is dead” (James 2:20). William Booth, founder of The Salvation Army, wrote, “Faith and works should travel side by side, step answering to step, like the legs of men walking. First faith, and then works; and then faith again, and then works again — until they can scarcely distinguish which is the one and which is the other.” If faith is only activated on special occasions, it gives off the appearance of being “dead” on all other days. If faith is only day-by-day consistent, with no special occasions for intensified action, it gives off the appearance of being routine. When you can have both the consistency of day-to-day faith in action and the intensity of special occasions like “Faith in Action” Sunday, you are indeed acting out living, biblical faith.

One way to act out your faith is through consistent praying. Join me this week in praying for the following global concerns:
• Pray for J and N as they return to the U.S. for a time of rest and reconnecting to loved ones.
• Pray for those who minister among Jewish people as they observe Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.
• Pray for the School of Cross-Cultural Missions currently being taught in the northeastern jungle of Peru.
• Pray for those who serve in Europe where 97% of the people do not have a personal relationship with Jesus.
• Pray for Pastorless churches in Vancouver and the 16 persons involved in the Oct. 17-21 Vision Tour.