More Than Just Talk

Recently a returned missionary shared an experience that he had at a workshop on Christian spirituality in a church. In the workshop, all the right words were being used, but with real pain he said, "I had my hurts and needs, but no one seemed to be even aware of me, let alone my hurts and needs".

Words, especially pious words, can sometimes shield us from people and their needs. Like the first disciples, we have been challenged by Jesus' words. To rely on words alone would be like building a house on the bed of the Yarra River in Melbourne. Almost without warning the dry river bed can become a raging torrent and wash everything away.

It is faithful obedience to Jesus' teaching which provides the solid basis for the Christian life. Without that obedience fatal collapse will inevitably occur. Lord, please help me not to just use words, but help us to know your will and to do it with courage and faith.