sxc devotion

sxc devotion

James 1

22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like.
26 If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. 27 Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.

STORY:

The First Church youth group has just heard a great talk about the importance of serving others. On the way home, three friends discuss the meeting:

"Andy is a great speaker! He always makes me laugh!"

"His talk was awesome."

"I know! I feel so convicted. I never do anything for my mom and dad."

"That was a cool idea he gave about doing a project down in the inner city."

"Yeah, wouldn't that be great? We should do that sometime."

Now, lets listen in on the conversation a few minutes later.

"So, what are you guys going to do this weekend?"

"Probably the same old stuff- go to a movie, sit around and be bored."

"That drives me nuts! How come there is nothing for kids our age to do? If I have to go to the mall one more time, I'm going to puke!"

"I agree!"

Whats wrong with that conversation? Anything? Read over it again.
Less than 30 minutes after being challenged to serve others, these teens are complaining they don't have anything to do.

The POINT? Christians should never be bored! We always have oppurtunities to serve others. In fact if we're not putting our faith into practice on a regular basis, the Bible says our religion isn't worth very much.

<3 In v. 27, it saying that instead of getting ourselves busy in wordly things, we must open up our senses to see and feel what we can do to serve and help others. Everytime we feel bored, we must do something. There's gotta be something to do for us Christians not just to be of blessing to others but to know fully God's calling in our life.

THE CHALLENGE:

If you are attached to something like computer, cell phone, tv, ipod etc. Would you say "I'm bored, thats why I'm on it?" or would u be willing to set those aside and find something more worthwhile to do that pleases God and fulfill His plan in your life. Now, that's what I call a genuine christian."

blessings to you all! :)