“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?  Can such faith save him?”  James 2:14 (NIV)

 

When Willie was in high school, he sauntered into one of his classes on a normal Monday morning at West Monroe High School and took his seat.  One of his classmates approached him and said, “Hey, I visited your church yesterday and saw you there.  I didn’t know you were a Christian.”  When telling the story later, Willie said that encounter impacted him immensely and he couldn’t get that statement out of his mind.  It made him examine his actions at school and question himself on what kind of impact he was making on the people around him.  He didn’t have a foul mouth.  He didn’t even drink or party with his friends.  But one thing was certain to him: his life wasn’t showing others that Jesus was his Lord. 

 

It wasn’t long after that encounter that Willie became very vocal with the rest of us teens at church.  Willie shared that story and asked us if people could say the same thing about each of us.  He asked us, “Would people at your school be surprised to know you were a Christian?”

 

That story made an impact on me then, and through the years I have thought about that many times.  I have led a pretty trouble-free life when it comes to sin and bad choices that I’ve made.  I have never been drunk, never even thought about trying any kind of illegal drug and have known only one man since my wedding night over 25 years ago.  However, I am guilty at times of letting other things beside God lead my life.  Even though I have never left God, I have been soothed by the devil into thinking that my life is just fine, that I don’t have to think about other people’s needs, that I have my own busy lifestyle to keep up with that involves a husband and three kids—how could I possibly take on helping other people? 

 

James goes on in Chapter 2:15, “Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.  If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”

 

If you attend a church, think about the last time you were there.  There were probably quite a few statements like,

 

“Hey, how are you?”

“Oh, I’m fine.  How are you?” 

“Good to see you today.  Your kids look so cute!” 

“Thanks! So do yours.” 

“Good to see you.”

“You too!  See you later.”

 

Sound familiar?  What you probably don’t encounter is the conversation that involves how that family just had to move their elderly father in with them and doesn’t know how they are going to afford it.  You most likely won’t hear how another family’s husband was just diagnosed with a terminal disease that won’t be fully covered by insurance and how they have no idea how they are going to pay for it.  You definitely won’t hear how two people who have been married for 15 years is on the verge of break-up because one of them has been having an affair for over a year.  You probably won’t even hear how a couple has spent themselves into so much debt because they are chasing after everything this world seems to offer them, everything but peace in Jesus.  No, you won’t hear any of that between Bible Class and Worship Service.  But those things are there.  Those hardship and sin-ridden lifestyles are right there on Sunday mornings.  But what can we do about it?  I’ve learned to pray for opportunities.  Pray that God will reveal to me someone who needs my help. 

 

In the past, when I had a little extra money, I have called my church office and asked if there was anyone who could use some extra help.  There always is.  What a blessing an anonymous $20 can be to help a family buy a new doll for their daughter for Christmas morning.  Around the holidays, when my boys were younger, we would talk about how God has blessed us and that we need to pass that blessing onto someone else who may be hurting. They would help decide who that family was.  Together we would fill a basket according to that family’s needs.  The first one we ever did was for a family who had lost their husband and father to Lou Gehrig’s disease.  The oldest daughter was in Reed’s class in first grade at school, and he wanted to do something for them to make them feel better.  We filled a basket with a fun family DVD, a few bottled drinks, some packages of microwave popcorn and some candy.  Reed said, “I mean, who doesn’t like a movie night?!”  Another year we filled a basket full of newborn baby needs like diapers, wipes, a nightgown and a few bottles of formula and gave it to a single mother who was trying to get her life right.  Not only did these things speak to the immediate needs in those people’s lives, it also spoke to my own children in teaching them to think about other people’s real life circumstances. 

 

Just yesterday, Reed called me from college and told me about a young adult girl who lives in that town and struggles with a health issue that will most likely never be resolved.  He said, “Mom, can we do something for her?  She is such a nice girl and is always doing things for people, but she doesn’t have any money.  I just want to do something special for her.”  Absolutely!  We talked about what to do and came up with a plan.  Knowing that my kids are in tune to the needs of other people makes me a proud mama.  There are so many people around us that need help.  We just have to open our eyes and our hearts to them. 

 

In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus talks about separating the sheep to his right and the goats to his left.  He talks about the difference in the two groups as being those who helped others in need and those who did not.  Verses 37-40 say, “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’  The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me’.”  

 

It’s not a hard concept, but with our busy lives and mostly self-centered lifestyles, it can be tough to accomplish.  I heard a statement recently that goes like this: If the devil can’t make you bad, he’ll make you busy.  That statement has really hit me hard recently.

 

Will you join me in taking on the challenge of helping someone this week?  Will you pray that God gives you an opportunity?  Will you pray that, when given that opportunity, you won’t turn your back with an excuse that you’re just too busy and don’t have time? 

 

These small efforts of unselfishness will scream, “I am a Christian!” far louder than your vocal chords ever could.  Have a great week!

 

Comments

Shannon :

This morning I read Proverbs 31 devotion, as I do every morning, which lead me to your website and then I just happen to choose this post to read. Not surprisng that God lead me here today. A very dear friend was just over last night that God is telling me to help! I love when He speaks right to me! Thank you Missy (and the entire Robertson family) for sharing your faith and love for God on reality TV! The world needs more of it. :)

Nov 10, 2015

Paula Lowrie:

I was visiting family in West Monroe and worshiped with you week before last. I really enjoyed the service. And I got there for part of Jase’s Sunday School lesson. Your family is a wonderful example for the Lord.

Nov 03, 2015

Harley:

Your words always inspire me! When I look at the Robertson Family, I don’t see millionaires who have it all through duck calls. I see God loving people who just put their faith and trust in the Lord. I see an example of how I want to raise my family and how God uses all of us in different and His own ways!! Thanks for your devotionals

Oct 19, 2015

Lindsey:

Such a great reminder! The things that seem little to us can make a big difference to someone else.

Oct 19, 2015

Ken May:

Hey there. I love the Robertsons and thank God for the way you stand firm for our Lord in your public spotlight.

Here is another perspective on “Hey, I didn’t know you were a Christian.” People have said that to me, and it has been a huge compliment.

Sadly, many people today view Christians as bigoted and judgmental. And to be fair, many who are vocal about faith in Christ work hard to earn that label. So, sometimes when people say “I didn’t know you were a Christian” they are actually saying they do not perceive you as a hypocrite.

As followers of Christ, every word and action should glorify our Savior. But if people experience the love of Christ from us before they hear words of Christ from us, then I think we are still winning!

So it’s not always necessarily bad if someone says “Hey, I didn’t know you were a Christian.”

Keep it up Robertson family! We love you, and I believe you have been raised up for “such a time as this!!”

Oct 14, 2015

Lisa Timme:

Wonderful message! I tried to teach and model helping others to my four children as they were growing up. Unfortunately, I haven’t done as much since they all “left the nest”. I, too, have become so busy. Thanks for reminding me that it is our duty, and privilege, to serve others.

Oct 13, 2015

Dianne Frye:

You are such a beautiful writer!! And I love reading what you wrote. Every now and then we all need a little reminder or a little nudge. And even though I cannot afford a home of my own right now, I still will help others. People at the register whom cannot afford what little groceries they need to purchase, I will step up and pay the difference of $10-$20. And even the kindness of stopping on the road to let someone out can change their whold day. God bless you and your family..

Oct 13, 2015

Scott:

Missy my grandfather was a minister and always said our actins should be a walking sermon on love and grace. Thanks for sharing. Hope you got my hug package and I hope you understand it was my attempted to help others but financial I took it as far as I could and hope maybe you can develop it to bless others through Mia Moo.

Oct 12, 2015

Donna Nickey:

Thanks for all you said in this. Satan does try to keep us busy and have no time to help one another. Thanks for encouraging us to do for others. You are correct there is a lot of people that can use a little bit of help. Sometime we can watch there children and do not take any money. Sometimes we need to listen because some just needs us to hear what is happening in there life. There is a lot of people that are truly hurting. Thanks again as a reminder to be looking for ways to help others. When we help others we feel better just for doing this. We have an awesome God and that is why we should help others. Blessing to you !!!!

Oct 12, 2015

Lisa Harmon:

Great food for thought! I do admire you and the whole Robertson family for the public display of faith! May I just add food for thought?
Matthew 6:3
God Bless you and your family!

Oct 12, 2015

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