It’s Monday morning, 7:30am, and we have just sat down for breakfast at the IU Health Center in Noblesville. Moments before we prayed for Maggie as she was being taken into surgery for what we hope will be her last hip replacement. Every person at the hospital, from the receptionist, to administrative workers, to nurses, to the anesthesiologist, to the surgeon himself were beyond kind; warmth and compassion for the patient, family and friends permeated every aspect of the operation. Everyone felt very cared for.

Talking with Doc as we observed the kindness of the staff, he was reminded of the saying, “I’d rather see a sermon than hear one.” I’m not sure if he was complaining about my last sermon or not, J but his point is well taken! It is extremely important that we tell people about the love of Christ, but unless we show the love of Christ and act like a child of God, our words will fall on deaf ears.

In the book of James the second chapter, the James, the half brother of Jesus tells us that faith without the corresponding works to back it up is dead. The 18^th verse says this, “But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” James is telling us that we need to let others know that we are a disciple of Christ by how we treat one another rather than trying to be self righteousness with our words but uncaring by our actions.

In 1 John 3:7, the scripture says, “Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.” Let us do what is right in the sight of God, thereby showing the world that we truly have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Be blessed.

Pastor Chris Hayden