A faith that does not do things is a dead faith. - James 2:17 (NLV)
James 2:14-26
Where do I even start with you, Pinterest?
I'd been hearing friends go on and on about how much fun it is for months, but hadn't allowed myself to type that word in the address bar on my browser because I was busy and didn't need the distraction. After the ladies' retreat this past weekend, though, I feel like I have a little breathing room for a month or so. So on Sunday, I took my first peek at the pinsanity (not to be confused with Linsanity, which we might discuss on another day.)
Maybe it's just me, but it seems like there's a lot of pressure on Pinterest. I mean, I don't want to remind myself about a bunch of great ideas because then I might feel like I have to actually do them. Who needs that kind of anxiety? I don't want pictures of great craft ideas, decorating tips, and recipes mocking me every time I get online. I'd like to see a raise of hands. How many of you pinner addicts actually cook the recipes you pin? Do you decorate your homes with the ideas you find, or is it mostly just a place where you tell the world, "Hey, I like this. This is me, if I had time and energy. But since I don't, I think I'll just look at it every once in awhile while I sit in my house that looks the same as it did 10 years ago." I'm just saying.
I hate to admit it, but sometimes I approach relationship with God the same way. It's like I have an invisible pin board where I've put Scriptures, sermons, Bible studies, private conversations with God, and challenging conversations with friends. When I first hear or see those truths, I know I need to put them into practice in my life. But I don't always follow through. I don't always finish. And while we're at it, most days, I could do without the reminders.
This week I had a lunch conversation with a friend over an old issue that I've had pinned up on the board for quite some time. I haven't wanted to look at it, because it's just so much work. And honestly, I have thought my life and relationship with God could get along just fine with it hanging there. But then, God's prodding, a circumstance, and the accountability of my friend said, "You need to finish this." Actually, her words went something more like, "How long are you going to keep running?" Ouch.
The thing is, when God's Spirit prompts us to do something - whether it's to make a change, get rid of something in our lives, follow Him in a step of faith, repair a relationship, or confess something, it's not just a good idea. God reveals important truths to us because He loves us and He wants us to put our faith into practice so that we can experience life with Him in the best possible way. God doesn't start a good work in you as a passing interest; He intends to complete the work, and He is faithful to do it. But it requires our participation in the process. His commands are not something to set aside for a time when we feel like we're ready to deal with it; they are necessary for us to put into practice right now - no matter how difficult we think it might be. Faith without works is dead, and that verse isn't just about doing nice things for people. If it were, James wouldn't have used Abraham's obedience in bringing his son Isaac to the altar as the illustration. The works that prove our faith are sometimes painful. But they always, always have a point.
I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. - Phil. 1:6
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