“What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone?  Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, ‘Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well.’ – but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing.  What good does that do?” – James 2:14-17

This past week I had the opportunity of attending “Momcon 2015”.  This is a MOPS conference they hold every year.  It was a fun getaway with some of my mom friends.  Our time together was a blast!

As I look back at our trip, it wasn’t the messages or the worship that sticks out the most.  What truly touched my heart were the selfless acts of a couple ladies on our trip.

On our last day, a group of us went to the food court at the mall for lunch.  On our way into the mall, my friend Ashley noticed a woman sitting on the corner with a sign.  While others may have ignored this woman, Ashley felt prompted and took a step of faith to stop and talk with the woman.  As I watched Ashley love on this woman it brought me to tears.  She shared with this woman that there was so much more for her life.  That God had greater plans for her.  She began to speak life to a destiny hidden within this stranger’s life.  When they had finished we went to eat lunch.  As we ordered, Ashley made sure to order her new friend a meal and walked it out to her before we went back to the conference.

On our plane ride home that same night I was able to witness yet another selfless act.  There was a mom flying alone with her son who looked to be about 2 or 3.  Halfway through our flight that sweet boy got sick and threw up all over his mom.  Without even giving it a second thought, my friend Heather jumped into action.  She ran to get the mom some towels and assisted her in getting her bag, which thankfully contained extra clothes for her and her son.  While others watched in disgust of the vomit, Heather showed love that day to that sweet mother.

Thinking back to our last day, the verses in James 2:14-17 come to mind.  That faith without good deeds is worthless.  I don’t think James is saying good deeds is all you need but instead, that we must live a life of faith that moves us to action.

So many times as Christians we are so eager to vocalize our faith but we forget about what that means.  To be the hands and feet of Jesus.  We get excited about the idea of living a life a faith but when our opportunities come we miss them because we are so preoccupied with our life that we can’t see them.  We get caught up in the religion and forget about compassion.

God wants us to live a life that is a true example of the faith we are so eager to talk about.  Helping those in need not with what we say but through authentic action.  James 1:27 says, “Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world.” (MSG) We are called to action.  To serve those in need.  In this way we will be a living example of the faith we have in Jesus Christ.

That day, Ashley and Heather showed Jesus to those women without having to speak a word.  My 3 year-old son always tells us, “I have the keys to the kingdom to bring Heaven to earth”.  We all have the key.  The authority to bring Heaven down to earth. To shine the light of truth and love to a dark and hopeless world.  The question is how will you use those keys?  Will you step out to stand for those who can’t?  Will you open your eyes to the needs of those around you?  Will you live in a way that is “pure and genuine in the sight of God”?  Will you walk in an unspoken faith?

“When people meet me, I want them to meet Heaven.” – Bob Goff