What We Do Is Important

Posted on by Dennis Foote

Pure and unblemished religion [as it is expressed in outward acts] in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit and look after the fatherless and the widows in their distress, and to keep oneself uncontaminated by the [secular] world.

James 1:27 AMP

Just as what we say reveals what’s in our hearts, what we do reveals our hearts as well. What we do is important.

Everything that God does is motivated by compassion because God is love. As we are sanctified, we express the divine nature of God in our words and deeds.

Caring for others, especially the vulnerable, specifically orphans (the fatherless) and widows, is near and dear to God’s heart.

How do we feel about helping people in distress? Is it a burden? Do we judge them? Do we turn a blind eye?

Or do we see them as part of the Body? Part of ourselves? No one despises their own body, but feeds and takes care of it. Let everything we do be motivated by compassion.

For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

James 2:26 NASB2020

If your faith does not express itself outwardly, do you have any faith at all? True faith transforms us from the inside out. Religion could be thought of as the outward expression of an inward faith. What we do reflects the state of our hearts.

In summary, true religion is not just about rituals or beliefs, but about showing compassion to those in need and maintaining personal integrity and purity.

Prayer Points

  • Ask God to transform your heart to be like His.
  • Ask God to show you where He wants you to be His love in action.
  • Ask God to give you coworkers to help you in loving the world around you.

Father in Heaven, change our hearts to be just like Yours. Help us to see that we are all interconnected. Help us to see that Your will is the most important thing to be focused on doing. Speak to us, O God, in our heart of hearts, and move us in compassion to love our neighbors as ourselves. In the Name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT

Recommended reading: James 1 & 2 and 1 Corinthians 15.