Spiritual Constipation

James 2: ¹⁴ What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? ¹⁵ Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. ¹⁶ If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? ¹⁷ In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

If you've heard "SuperDave" McAlister preach, you've probably heard him say that "when the love and grace of God gets in you, its going to flow out of you."  I add a corollary to that "if not, you're constipated."  In his book entitled "Not a Fan," Kyle Idleman calls these Christians "Fans:" people content to sit on the sidelines of the church without truly getting involved and except to criticize the music, the sermon, the dress of attendees, and leave frustrated.  Some satiate their Holy Spirit inspired compunction to serve by simply by dropping some coins in the plate.  Other uber fans serve on endless committees in the church, but never really engage in real service.  

Jesus said in Matt 25:31-46 that we are to serve him by serving others.  To not do so is to not inherit the Kingdom.  This is a high stakes calling!  He called Peter to get into the game in John 21 by telling him to feed his sheep.  Clearly, the life of a Christian is to be characterized by action. 

It is clear to me that the role of the church, like God, is triune: evangelism, discipleship, and service.  Evangelism is to spread the good news of Christ to all people, presenting them with the Gospel message of a life decision that must be made by everyone regarding Christ.  For those who choose to accept Christ as their savior, we are to baptize and teach them to obey all things He has taught (Matt 28:18-20).  Once we have been discipled, we are to serve him by feeding his sheep. 

While service on church boards, singing in choir, and regularly attending worship are all important aspects of a Christian life, these aren't directly feeding his sheep.  So where do we find his sheep?  They are all around us each and every day.  Our coworkers, classmates, and those God places in our lives even if just for a moment are his sheep.  We never know how physically or spiritually hungry those around us are.  Everyone that encounters us should be blessed by His grace flowing out of us in real and tangible ways. 

More tomorrow.