Galatians 5:6 – For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. (NIV)

Galatians 5:1 – It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (NIV)

My husband has recently gone through major surgery and is struggling with his recuperation period. A member of his Sunday School class brought him a new Adult Quarterly.

"Here is something for you to read and think about," he said.

"I'm tired of thinking," my husband replied. "I want to be doing something. I want to be active."

I reflected on his statement, realizing he'd hit upon a vital aspect of the spiritual life. It is easy to become so concerned over learning about spiritual things that we fail to put what we already know into action. It takes more than knowledge to make a Christian. Our lives should be filled with action and the joyful pursuit of a full, well-rounded life.

Study, meditation, and prayer are disciplines to equip us for the journey — not the journey itself. No matter how well we know the Bible, or can teach it, or can quote Scripture to cover any occasion that may arise in our lives, if we do not put it into action, it profits us nothing. It's not how well we do the talking, but how well we do the Christian walking that makes the difference in our lives.

Others cannot see what we are thinking or the condition of our hearts. God knows these things, and for our salvation, this is enough, but if we are to influence others for Christ, we need to project our thoughts and our love outwardly.

Prayer: Lord, help us to be doers of Your Word and not hearers only. Empower us to put our faith into action for You. Amen.

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