What is the question that you really don’t want to entertain in your inner cognitive activity? Perhaps, the better question would be, What question would you be unwilling to dig deep into the schematic drawers of your experiences and actions to answer honestly?

See, we, including myself, are willing to answer questions before we process the depth and significance of the inquiry. For example, I have been caught numerous times in a situation of routine introductions, where you exchange, “Hey, what’s up?” with an obligatory “Nothing much, you?”. The problem is when someone changes the cultural expectation on me without a complimentary cue. They will begin the introduction with, “Hey, how you doing?” and I reply with the, “Nothing much, you?”

Seems superficial doesn’t it? But it doesn’t really carry the same unimportance when you realize that our lives answer a daily question. The language of our soul becomes the actions of our body. We rest on the vocabulary of physical exertion, while trying to respond with unmeaningful and unaccepted thoughts. See…our desires are devalued when they lack the decision to do! (Like the alliteration)

Here comes the question……

What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? (James 2:14 NLT)

If the evidence of salvation isn’t present, are you really saved?

Answer this question with a deep discourse into your innermost pulse. Don’t rely on your immediate response. Don’t delegate your decision to your duty, to your job, your family, your career. Ask! Demand an answer from your life.

The easy part is that the solution is already established. It may be culturally eliminating, but Yoda said, “There is no try, only do.” Perhaps that’s not good enough, then find your motivation in the book of James, or the words and life of Jesus. I don’t find it a coincidence that the half-brother of Jesus understands the purpose of the Passion!

Chance

Today, a hospital visit to pray for the sick turned ministry back on me.

In a storytellers words, it was a gray and noisy day filled with confusion. The combustion of the traffic was mimicked by the busyness of the people, which seemed to hold ransom the politeness and courtesy that usually flutters through the air. Cars were in a hurry, the parking lot was full, the information desks were full of people accomplishing little, and the elevator was the only thing that seemed to be a haven of peace.

Well……that was until the closing of the doors was disrupted by another victim of the day. Pushing the button too soon, the doors reopened and victim number 2 was left with the only option….get on and face the awkwardness of violating the unwritten elevator law.

At this point, the story becomes less artistic and more realistic. As the person apologized, I assured them that it was no problem to slow my day down. I breathed deep as I chose kindness as my action. During the ride, the person once again apologized and offered me first opportunity to get off at the floor we were sharing. I insisted that she should go first. The oddity of this day continued as we both got off, with her in the lead. We walked around a corner, down a hall, and as providence would have it…..we entered the same room. I was there to pray for her husband and we had no idea who each other was.

What ensued, was practical ministry. However, what happen on the way down the elevator was an epiphany.

This is life!

Normally, people may not see ministry immediately follow an act of kindness or good works, but it is there. When we let our light shine through good works, God is given the glory as His spirit ministers in ways that we cannot discern or define. At our core, we all hunt for significance and impact. The problem is that it is not found in the success of our education or occupation. Instead, it is mandated by a life of servant hood through love. We are tasked with good works. We should slow down and do what we are purposed with!

Matthew 5:14-16 (New Living Translation)

14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Chance