Just Sitting There
Even if you ‘re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there. Will Rogers
From a Christian perspective, this quote (above) can be a kick into action.
To many, the right track of Christianity is the road to salvation. They make a profession of faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior and then think, “Okay, I’m in. I’ll go to heaven so I don’t need to do another thing.” James would not approve. He says don’t just listen to the Word of God but do what it says. (James 1:22)
Now, for the record, salvation is the right track but it is certainly not the whole trip. A track is a path to follow, not the whole journey. We do need to “confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead so we can be saved” (Romans 10:9). It’s the “just sitting there” that’s the problem.
God makes it clear in His Word that we are to love one another. We show our love for God by obeying His commands and loving His people.
Love is not just an emotion, love will act. God tells us to serve one another, to admonish one another, and to encourage one another. These are acts that demonstrate love.
But, that’s not all. James also says “be quick to hear and slow to speak and slow to anger, for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness that God requires.” We’re also told to “bridle the tongue,” and “visit orphans and widows in their affliction” and “to keep oneself unstained from the world.” There are many things that Jesus commands as part of showing love for Him.
In the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25 He teaches that it is the one who takes what He gives them and uses it to further the Kingdom of God that receives the blessings in this life. We cannot say we love the Lord and sit here doing nothing. He wants us to grow His kingdom, to spread the Word about who He is and what He has done for us so others will hear and come to faith.
When we fail to obey these commands, we may not get run over, but neither will we experience the life of abundant blessing promised to faithful followers of Christ.
In James 2:17 he says, “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
Do you ever wonder what work you should be doing? Is it as simple as asking God,” Who do I need to love, serve, or encourage today?” “Is there an orphan or a widow who could use some help or some love”? Are you and I willing to die to our own desires and put others first?
Are you and I on the right track but sitting there? What work for Him is God calling us to do? We can’t just sit there, if we have faith, we will have works.
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