The Proof is in the Doing

You’ve probably been involved in conversations as a child that went something like this (and I emphasize something), “I can run faster than you.”  That usually drew a statement from your friend or friends (or you) that went exactly like this, “Prove it!”  This might have provoked a foot race to prove who really was the fastest.  I’ve heard some mighty big fish tales over the years that had me thinking “Prove it!”  A time or two I’ve even said to the teller of the tale, “Prove it!”  There is something in all of us (even us faith-walkers) that cries out “Prove it to me!”  I personally believe this is something God created in us.  There are times when we simply demand proof.  You know, instead of just talking the talk…it’s time to walk the walk.  Doing is a much better method of proving than talk alone.

Doing has a way of proving in itself.  Doing leaves no question of whether it is or they are genuine or not.  James from the Bible says “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.”  He says “Prove that you know the Word.”  Talk alone can lead to delusion.  But talk substantiated by the doing demonstrates the authenticity of the belief.  James is telling us that people are deluded when they say one thing and do another.

I was in the Word this morning and came upon something very interesting.  In Philippians 2: 14 – 15 Paul says, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among which you appear as lights in the world.”  The two key words in this passage are DO and PROVE.  Here Paul encourages us to be doers without grumbling or disputing.  This proves our blamelessness and innocence in a world that is looking for something genuine.  The very thing that erases the proof is grumbling and having disputes with one another! 

The world we live in is full of people who are not followers of Jesus.  But the truth is many of those folks are screaming out to we who claim to follow Christ, “Prove it to me!  If you really believe it…do it.  Don’t just talk about it!  Prove it and I will believe!”  The Bile is incredibly clear about how we can be effective in impacting others.  It says we must do in order to prove.  The proof is in the doing.  It is not in the saying.  It certainly is not in the grumbling and disputing.  But the proof is simply in the doing!  I think I’m on to something.

Time-out!

I'm loving this time of the day.  It's the beginning of a new day.  I just finished some time in the Word and I'm sipping on a good cup of coffee.  I love the mornings.  It's quieter, the air seems to be clearer, and a fresh new day is ahead.  During this time I can reflect on the day past as well as plan and dream for the day ahead.  It's incredible how God designed life!  

I talk about this a lot but I see having quiet time as a way to slow down the perpetual rush of life.  If we're not careful we can be so caught up in the impetus of life that whenever we do slow down just a bit, we're thinking "Man, where's all the time gone!"  I believe a time, alone with God is not only important to our spiritual walk (that's the key), but it gives us an opportunity to view our lives from a proper perspective.  That perspective is filtered through the stillness and the quietness of His Word and His presence.  In athletic games there are time-outs.  Not only does the team need a quick, physical break, but a time-out can slow down the forward momentum of the opposing team, and possibly contribute to a victory.  A successful relationship requires frequent "time-outs"!  I like that!

When was your last "time-out" with God?  Just a few minutes at the beginning of each day to slow down, feed on His Word, listen for His voice, and plan is life-changing.  A time-out from the hustle and bustle of our daily routine makes all the difference.  If life seems to be rushing forward like a runaway train...take a time-out!  It really does help.  Spend time with Him.  Search through His Word.  Listen to what He is saying.  Reflect on yesterday (some), think about today, and plan for tomorrow.  But don't wait too long.  Because life will roll on by before you know it!