Dead Faith

"What good is it my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?   Can such faith save him?  Supoose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.  If one of you says to him, 'Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,' but does noting about his physical needs, what good is it?  In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."

  James 2:14-17 (New International Version)

 

Perhaps a story I heard a few years ago will help illustrate the "dead faith" James is warning against:

 

A man was describing a terrible car accident that had occurred on the street in front of his house the previous day.

 

"It was awful!" he told his friend. "Two cars crashed.  There were injured people lying in the street, blood everywhere!  But, I was proud of myself.  I remembered all my first aid training, how a person should put their head between their knees to keep from fainting over blood loss--and it worked.  I tried it and I didn't faint at the sight of all that blood!"

 

To put our faith into action in December, the Ocheltree Shepherding Group is participating in a number of projects:

 

1.  Our men will shop for Angel Tree recipients on Monday evening, Dec. 3, meeting in the new lobby of the church, heading to Target at Willow and Herndon and ending with dinner at the Pafford's home, 637 Everglade Ave., Clovis.  Please RSVP for dinner by texting or calling 970-1817 or 970-1816.

 

2.  We will collect new and used clothing and toys for the Ramirez family in Firebaugh to deliver for Christmas.  The mother, Gloria, wears Women's L or XL in fleece wear, the two boys, ages 5 and 6, wear 6, 6X or 7 in boy's clothes.  The girl, age 3, wears 3T clothing.  Warm clothing and shoes are needed.

 

3.  Bake cookies to be shared with the many volunteers who work all year with Habitat for Humanity.  Cookies should be dropped off at the church office, and clearly marked for "Habitat for Humanity" by 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 13.

 

4.  We will donate wrapping paper, gift bags, tissue, tape and ribbon to the Toys for Tots gift distribution party at the Mosqueda Center on Sunday, December 23, from 5-7 p.m. and be present to help with wrapping.  Donations can be deposited in the gift-wrapped box in our classroom throughout the month of December.  Our own Ashley Henderson with Reading and Beyond has invited us to be part of the this community project.

 

These are just a few of the things we are doing corporately, as a class.  I know each of us will be doing many things individually to offer "first aid" to a world that is "bleeding out" in need of Christ's love and salvation.  Keep the faith--and the works!

 

--Posted by Mama O.