by Jim Gordon
I have noticed a very common saying recently in regard to the violence and killings that have made the headlines. It is heard on TV, online and in the newspapers. The saying is ‘our thoughts and prayers are with you’.
It actually sounds really nice and many times it is the only thing people can come up with when they do not know what else to say.
Unfortunately, it only sounds good and does nothing to help make a difference or to cause change.
So often people say this because they do not know what else to do. I certainly believe in prayer to ask God for peace and comfort for the people involved. I also believe in prayer seeking guidance from God for things to do that will help make a change.
Yet many people use this saying because they do not think they are able to do anything to make a change, and often they do not want to make the effort to make changes. So, they make themselves feel better by saying our thoughts and prayers are with you.
In James 2:16 we have a similar situation when people would say “go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet they did not give what was necessary for their body, and what use was that? This falls right in line with James 2:26 which says, for just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.
Obviously good works do not earn our salvation, but good works will be a result of our salvation. To put it another way we can say that love without works is dead. Saying you love someone but doing nothing to show that love is not real love.
Using good sounding words usually only makes the one saying it feel better. But putting action to our words can make a difference and truly show love and concern to those who are hurting.
I do understand where you are coming from, I personally do not read newspapers, and I am very discerning on what online news sources I follow.
I do think because the violence and lawlessness that is mounting each year is as our Lord foretold will happen.
Most of those “Our prayers and thoughts are with you” come from unbelievers, or so-called “religious” people, yet it’s what they consider the proper thing to say, when they actually do not care.
We as believers and followers of the Lord are taught to care for the Body of Christ before unbelievers. Changing the attitudes of so-called “Christianity” first needs to be addressed. But changing the world is not a mandate the Lord has instructed us to carry on.
We need to preach Christ and His Salvation to the lost, and by God’s grace and His gift of repentance to the lost is the only way the world will be influenced as far as it suits the Lord’s will and purpose.
We must remember we are instructed not to get too caught up in the “affairs” of this world, because it is clearly heading towards God’s judgments on a wicked and evil world.
I have found too many believers do not care for the Body of Christ as the Lord desires, and that is due to the false teachings of the Institutional Churches and their traditions, and to the misunderstanding of God’s Word and His Ways.
So I agree with you, we need to act according to God’s Word, and live in peace with the lawless as much as we are able and to stand up against false teaching and teachers that compromise the Word of God and His Truth.
Lord bless you!
LikeLike
Very good thoughts on this. Focus on Jesus and the leading of the Spirit, and live by his love for others. Thanks for commenting.
LikeLike
Great food for thought. Made me think to first take action or ask if I can do anything for them before saying un-action words because I may be uncomfortable
LikeLike
I know it is hard sometimes to know what to do. Most people want to do something, just not sure where to start. It depends on the situation and some situations are easier to work on than others. Thanks for the comment.
LikeLike
Thanks, Jim. Well said. Now to the doing. Any suggestions? For me it is a long distance “like” on a post such as this showing support, especially for the youth who are becoming an outspoken and powerful force for positive change.
LikeLike
The doing is the hard part, usually why most of us say our thoughts and prayers are with you. There is such a wide variety of thoughts on what to do and how to do it. It also depends on the situation as to what needs to be done. I feel the main thing is pray for wisdom and guidance then do what you feel is right for you to do. Many people speaking up and doing small things can make a big difference.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Also, thanks again for reading my article. I appreciate it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
INTERESTING THOUGHT ON HOW KINDNESS GETS ONLY LIP SERVICE!
LikeLike
Thank you Jonathan.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Matthew Winters (Comeback Pastor) and commented:
Brief yet convicting post about an area in which we need to be challenged.
LikeLike
Thank you Matthew.
LikeLike