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DAY FIVE: FAITH + WORKS
Trust and action, faith and deeds: this same exhortation speaks to us from every part of scripture. Taking action apart from trusting God won’t get us anywhere (Psalm 127), but saying we love God while ignoring the needs of oppressed people is nothing more than a dead faith (James 2, 1 John 3).
Our world is so polarized, and the church is often far too influenced by the outside world. So our churches have become polarized too. Some Christians only talk about grace but never hard truths. Some Christians only talk about God’s power but never our responsibility. Some Christians only talk about taking action in the world but they never ask God to empower them.
Our hope at Love Thy Neighborhood is that all Christians would become more like Jesus, who never approached different people the same way, who spoke truth unashamedly and who also took a nap when he needed rest, who showed kindness and friendship to the outcasts and the hurting, who studied the scriptures and knew the heart of the Father, who called out the hypocrites and power-hungry leaders, who made breakfast for Peter even after Peter denied him.
There isn’t a simple, black-and-white, either/or formula to fighting injustice in our world. But becoming more like Jesus is the first step. Jesus will call us not to one side or the other, but often to a third way, a different way, a counter-cultural way that won’t fit easily into society’s boxes. As we become more like him, we will begin to embrace truth AND grace, lament AND hope, protest AND prayer, trust AND action.
Reflection Questions:
What cultural, political, or theological issues have you felt pulled to one side or the other? Is there a potential ‘third way’ that God might be calling you to consider?
As we have considered steps of practical action (protest, speaking truth) vs. spiritual work (prayer, grace, trust), which one feels harder for you? How can you grow strength and perseverance in that area?
How is your faith “proven” by your works? Does your faith lead you to fight injustice in the world? How would you like your faith to be shown in your life more?
About this Plan
In a world filled with injustice, social unrest, political division, and polarized opinions, what would God have us do? Do we protest and fight injustice, or do we pray and ask God to intervene? Maybe we do both. In this study, we look to God's word for help to live within the tension.
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