An Active Faith

Fish flap their fins for many hours daily. These swimming creatures stay in motion for most of their lives to find food, stay alert, for balance when the water moves around them and to avoid bumping into rocks and stumps. When fish sleep their eyes are open because they do not have eyelids. It is rare to see a fish completely still. 

As God designed fish to move about in the water, the Lord expects us to put our faith into action. When Jesus called the twelve Disciples, he chose men who were already busy and challenged them to use their energy and abilities for God in service to others. "And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then He said to them, Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. They immediately left their nets and followed him," (Matthew 4:18-20). 

If we accomplish anything in life, it takes time and a willingness to go and to do. When Jacob and his sons were hungry and out of food, Jacob was too feeble to go to Egypt and buy food. Though his sons were able to go, they hesitated and Jacob reminded them that they would starve if they sat still and did nothing. "When Jacob saw that there was grain in Egypt, Jacob said to his sons, Why do you look at one another? And he said, Indeed I have heard that there is grain in Egypt; go down to that place and buy for us there, that we may live and not die," (Genesis 42:1-2). In reply, the brothers immediately started traveling to buy the grain. Then they brought it home and the family survived.

In a spiritual way, people everywhere need the nourishment of God's Word. People stay hungry for knowledge about God until somebody moves out of their comfortable chair and brings encouraging words and helpful actions to people where they are. Therefore, Paul challenged believers to action. "Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer," (Romans 12:10-12).

Bill Kent, Pastor of Memorial Baptist Church