January 24 – Community
Jennifer Dalziel
Read: Matthew
5:14-16
The role of
faith versus works is often an area of confusion in the Christian world. We’re
called to act like Christ, but why does it really matter what we do, when we
receive salvation through faith alone?
The
way I see it, faith is one’s very personal connection with God. Faith defines
our one-on-one relationship with Christ. Works, on the other hand, are an
outwardly-directed aspect of a relationship with Christ. Works are what reach
beyond the individual, impacting others in our community as a representation of
Christ’s inner working. Works reflecting God’s love can challenge and uplift
fellow believers. These actions, pointing towards Christ, become a continual
reminder of his love for us.
Unfortunately,
we often forget that God’s community stretches much wider than just our church.
God wants everyone to know God’s love, and it is through our works that we can
either spread that love or keep it closed in. We are called to be Christ’s
hands and feet, to shine God’s light to all people, to the full community of
this world, so that they may know the love of God.
Christ
desires more than a relationship with solely you and me. He wants us to shine
his light in work, in play, in school, in meetings, in our church, with our
families and with our friends. Our works may very well be the only opportunity
someone else has to encounter Christ. It is our responsibility to spread the
love we have been given.
Though faith
alone is enough to guarantee one’s personal salvation, it is often our works
that open doors for the salvation of others.
Query:
How are my works uplifting
your community and welcoming others to find faith in Christ?
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