To Not Just Bring the Word.. But to Live it Out.

One thing we have talked about recently in our Theology and Counseling class, was whether or not the Bible contained everything we needed to help people. Does it contain all wisdom needed for someone to bring about change in ones life? If we don't as counselors just share the truths in the Bible with those in need of it, are we not giving them what they really need, if what they really need from you at the moment is to meet a physical need? It is my belief, that though the Word does not return void, and that the Word contains life giving wisdom, I believe that as followers of Christ, and as Counselors, we should be very concerned with living out the Word, and concerned about being Christlike in our actions towards others. We should not just be bringers of the Word, but doers of the Word.

I can see how that can come across as kind of a "duh" statement, but one thing that has weighed heavy on my heart in the last couple of years, is what seems to be a lack of action from the church to the world around them, and to the many needs out there needing to be met by Christ, and by those who call themselves followers of Christ.

I read an article the other day about Haiti, and that now, many months after the earthquake, very little progress has been made in clearing the rubble, and picking up the pieces. This struck me as a very good example of the need to be hands on in our reaching out to help bring about change, a need to be the hands and feet of Christ. Many have gone and are there today picking up those pieces, and they are in their actions, in their meeting physical needs, sharing the gospel. That is the beauty of the Gospel and the Word of God.. that it is alive.. and that it is lived out in our lives.

So when asked if the Bible is enough to reach people, my first reaction is to look at how the Word becomes alive in us in our sharing it. The two go hand and hand.. and I think there is a danger in separating them.

"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds."
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do."

James 2:14-18