Pastor’s Pen 9th January

Elder’s Etchings:   James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word….. Do what it says!”

Some days that is easier said than done.  However, I think there are three simple processes to follow which can help us achieve this, that involves using our head, heart and hands.

The head is where the brain is, where your thinking takes place.  What you hear, you think about, and form opinions, convictions and beliefs.  David prayed, “Give me understanding, and I will keep your law; and obey it with all my heart.” (Psalm 119:34). This verse introduces my next thought. Once you have the mind to receive it, then may it go to your heart…

The heart is where your emotions reside.  The heart is where you begin to feel and be moved by what you believe.  It is where the word of God has begun to do its faith work within you.  As you study the word of God your convictions grow, your passion grows, your potential for care and action emerges.

The hands symbolize action.  There are few things that we do without our hands.  We work with our hands, we talk with our hands, and we can minister with our hands.  Your hands and what they do say something about you.

Some might suggest that being a real Christian only means going to church regularly and attending a home group regularly.  Perhaps even having a fantastic Bible knowledge.  But faith without works is dead!

Pappa Ten Boom hit the nail on the head in the book ‘The Hiding Place’. Some of you may have read the book or seen the movie about Corrie Ten Boom’s family who risked their lives to save their Jewish neighbours from the Nazis during the opening days of WWII. At one point in the book, Corrie and her sister question their father about why so many of their professing Christian neighbours were siding with the Nazis. “They are part of the same church we are,” observed young Corrie. Wise Pappa Ten Boom answer, “Just because a mouse is in the cookie jar doesn’t make it a cookie.”

What do your actions say about you and your faith?