Those Crazy Christians by Brad Paisley, from Country Faith Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. — James 2:17 “Those Crazy Christians.” I have a song on my album Wheelhouse by this title. The song is written from the point of view of someone baffled by people of faith. Most puzzling to the skeptic in the song is not the faith itself, but the actions that such faith produces. Things such as mission trips to dangerous regions, baptism, hospital visits to strangers, sobriety, forgiveness of atrocities, talk of heaven, etc., all must look insane to someone who is agnostic. But there is something so inspiring about watching believers do good things. Growing up in a small church, this was what stuck with me. That’s why James 2:17 resonates with me. The most impactful examples of someone’s faith in action that I can remember aren’t hands raised in the air, or shouts of hallelujah and joy, or judgment. It’s the church members gathered around my cousin’s bedside as he breathed his last, and how they took shifts ‘round the clock with his family in those last two weeks while he fought for his life and lost. It’s the Vanderpool family, who donate the majority of their income and time to charity. It’s my wife, who found the same fire in fighting for the cause of relief in Haiti, taking multiple trips there to nurse the sick and the poor. These are the people who inspire me. Not someone telling me how they think it is. No scare tactic or fire and brimstone sermon ever did diddly-squat to strengthen my faith. It was the works. * * * Your Turn Are you one of those crazy Christians? Considering James 2:17, what good things have you seen believers do that strengthened your faith? In what ways are you inspiring others faith with acts of service, care-taking, and practical, helpful kindness?
Posted on: Wed, 06 Nov 2013 21:32:49 +0000
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