Do Something

“For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.” – James 1:23-25.

It must be pretty exciting to receive a sports scholarship to college. I’m sure every one of them looks forward to the day they get in the game and show the fans what they can do. They expect to rise to the top when the game hangs in the balance. No one goes to college to sit on the bench for the season. So why are some of us who belong on God’s team so comfortable and satisfied with standing on the sidelines? Why are we so complacent about being actively involved? What happens that we lose our passion and become apathetic?

Maybe it was a disappointment or negative circumstances that caused you to move toward the sidelines. Maybe things got so bad that the sidelines seemed like the best option at that time. Maybe you feel inadequate, or ill equipped or maybe you feel like a hypocrite playing in the game with what is going on in your life. There will always be reasons and circumstances that will motivate you to back up and to back down. It is probably during these times when you look toward heaven and ask, “Where are you, God?” 

The God of the universe has not abandoned you. Your life isn’t over because you had a setback or because you came short of accomplishing something or you feel like a hypocrite. “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

You and I are key players in this game. The field is ready for us to take our place. Just because we are in the game does not mean we are a finished product.  We are still under construction—the closer we get to Him, the more He reveals who He created us to be. Everything I need is found in Him, and everything I am is because of Him.

Don’t stand on the sidelines. No matter where your heart for ministry is, minister in it. Don’t just talk about it. It is only by acting on your convictions that you can make a difference.

Discussion Questions:

1. What role does hypocrisy play in keeping us on the sidelines?
2. What can we do this week to get back in the game.