Is it a faith vs. works or faith and works thing? (2 Timothy 1:13-14)

SCRIPTURE: 2 Timothy 1:13-14 (TM)

So keep at your work, this faith and love rooted in Christ, exactly as I set it out for you. It's as sound as the day you first heard it from me. Guard this precious thing placed in your custody by the Holy Spirit who works in us.

STORY:

A young boy, on an errand for his mother, had just bought a dozen eggs. Walking out of the store, he tripped and dropped the sack. All the eggs broke, and the sidewalk was a mess. The boy tried not to cry. A few people gathered to see if he was OK and to tell him how sorry they were. In the midst of the words of pity, one man handed the boy a quarter. Then he turned to the group and said, "I care 25 cents worth. How much do the rest of you care?" James 2:16 points out that words don't mean much if we have the ability to do more.

OBSERVATION:

"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? James 2:16 (TM)

Is our faith mere words or is there more to it?

Paul writes his young friend Timothy. It is a letter of encouragement and instruction. He might as well have been writing to us for his words help us in our journey. We too are custodians of the faith. We too should guard this precious truth. We too should keep at our work as it is rooted in Christ.

Or, is our faith simply an accumulation of words, thoughts and ideas that make us feel good, but when there is a situation that calls for action we fall silent?

Words are easy. Actions are hard. Affirmation of faith is easy. Making the faith practical and concrete is hard. Accepting Jesus Christ as Savior is easy. Accepting Jesus Christ as Lord is hard.

We want and desire a savior, but we really do not wish to have him as Lord. To acknowledge him as Lord means that he is control of our life. But, more than mere control he actually becomes in charge of our life… he dictates our very existence… everything about us is governed by him… we are not in control of our life he is… that’s hard.

As we go through today we need to ask ourselves: Do I have the ability to do more? Is it going to be just a Savior Day or is it also going to be the Lord’s Day?

PRAYER:

We really do wish for our lives to be so dedicated to you and the work of your Kingdom, but it is so hard and we are so weak. Accept our desire and help us in our weakness.