You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. James 2:22

About a year ago I had the opportunity to go to a ground-breaking ceremony for a new church.

This ground-breaking was unique. Rather than using the traditional gold-plated shovels for special people to turn the dirt, this church enlisted the aid of an antique farm plow.

Two youth group members started the pulling. The plow wouldn't budge. Then some of the elders joined in. The plow stayed still. Finally, all the congregation's members grabbed hold of the rope.

With everybody pulling together like a team, the plow moved, and the ground was broken.

As I walked away from the ceremony, I thought how wonderful it would be if everybody in our churches, our communities, and our homes would pull together like that. Think of the things we would manage to get done.

So, what's stopping us?

There are a number of things. Sometimes people don't want to get their hands dirty with an old rope. Sometimes people pull in different directions. Sometimes we just don't give it our all.

How sad. It's certainly a far cry from our Redeemer who got His hands dirty, who always pulled with His Heavenly Father and who, most definitely, gave the saving of our souls everything He had.

So, what shall we do? How about this: You don't wait for me. I won't wait for you. Instead, we'll just grab hold of the rope and pull with all we've got -- in step with the direction the Savior would have us go.


From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"



THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help our faith and actions work together so the world may see we reflect the love and strength You have given Your people. And, please, keep us from pulling in different directions. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Isaiah 20-22    Ephesians 5:1-16

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