Our world has almost drowned in rhetoric. Many are turned off by it. For too long, politicians have assaulted our good sense with promises no one could keep and no one expects to be carried to completion. Television commercials build up their products so much that we would be shocked if they delivered all the benefits suggested.
At the same time people have grown skeptical about religion, too. A lot of words have been generated by folk who never demonstrate the value of serving God. Their talk has a a hollow sound to it.
If religion is to be worth anything, it must be expressed in more that words. Actions cannot be absent if religion has touched someone’s life.
One of the reasons Christianity had the kind of impact is did in the first century was that it was shown in the lives and deeds of those who embraced it. The examples are plentiful:
- UNITY “Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul.” (Acts 4:32).
- GENEROSITY “Neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own…” (Acts 4:32).
- BENEVOLENCE “This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did” (Acts 9:36, spoken of Dorcas, a Christian).
- COMPASSION “Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea” (Acts 11:29).
Tertullian, an early disciple, wrote in response to Jews, “Nor would you hesitate to believe what we affirm, since you see it taking place” (An Answer To The Jews, Chapter 7). Could we say the same thing?
~ Allen Hahn
0 Comments