Deeds
I was in town last week and I heard Slade’s 1973 classic, ‘Merry Xmas Everyone’ being played in the shop. I thought, that’s it, we are in the run up to Christmas now!
City centres all over the country have turned on their Christmas lights. Santa’s Grotto is open and this year’s Christmas adverts are on TV and online.
I do actually like viewing them, as I love the variety and creativity involved. The big question is, what is the John Lewis add going to be?
This year, their campaign focuses on a difficult relationship between a father and teenage son. Rummaging under the Christmas tree the father spots a gift from the son, and it’s a 1990s vinyl record of a group he likes.
As he plays it, he is catapulted back in his mind to when his son was born. The final shot is of them smiling and embracing, as a voice over says, ‘If you can't find the words, find the gift’.
It’s a very clever and emotional advert! As I was reflecting on it I was reminded of what is written in the book of James in the Bible…
“Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.”
The point James is making here, is that the faith of the believer should be evident by what they do.
This faith begins when someone becomes a follower of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit begins a process of change (called sanctification).
I have been moved by certain needs that I have seen, and that has caused me to do something about it. My faith is visibly outworked by what I do.
As the old saying goes, ‘actions speak louder than words’. Let me encourage you to have you eyes open, and if God prompts you, do something about it…
God bless you :)
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader