If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. – James 4:17
All throughout his letter, James spurs his audience into action. They are to be “doers of the word and not just hearers” (James 1:22). Faith without action is no faith at all.
Jesus doesn’t mince words about doing what one knows is right to do. In Luke 12:47, He says, “The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows.”
The parable of the Good Samaritan comes to mind. We recall this unfortunate traveler who is robbed and beaten severely, clinging to life in the middle of the road. Shortly after this happened, a priest travels by and sees the bloodied man. Surely this “man of God” knows the good he ought to do – and yet he just keeps on walking. Not long after that, along comes a Levite. Surely he will stop and offer assistance! Except he too keeps moving along. Two deeply religious people choose apathy over empathy, to be inconsiderate instead of being inconvenienced.
As much as I hate to admit it, I’m like the priest and the Levite sometimes. The Spirit tells me, “Don’t look away. That person needs to know that you see them. Go talk to them.” I look at my watch and think, “maybe some other time. I’ve got stuff to do today.”
One of the things that challenges me with Jesus’ parables is that He has this way of introducing me to myself in the story. But why is it that I’m always the one representing the wrong example?!
The good news is that every new day gives us another shot at making things right… to stop, to see, to act. God is patient with our slowness and faithful to keep shaping our hearts. May He give us eyes that notice, hearts that are moved, and the courage and conviction to do the good right in front of us today.
Former Blackout Artist 