[Originally posted January 04th, 2006. Edited some today. As an update, I feel like I have made some progress in this area. But I still need the reminder.]
"He defended the cause of the poor and needy... Is that not what it means to know me?" declares the Lord - Jeremiah 22:16
This verse symbolizes to me that "to know [God]" means to put our faith into action. It really is a dreadful thing to hear that knowing God (or believing in God) is in our actions. I for one would love it if my faith was measured by my good intentions. I often think that, since I THINK about doing good deeds and quitting bad deeds and really want to do both, I am a good Christian. But this quote is just one example that intentions don't equal belief.
My faith only extends as far as my life is transformed. In other words, the measure of a Christian's faith is in how much love he exudes not in how many rules he follows.
Of course, this verse is primarily about working for the good of the poor and needy. Since I've traditionally not been interested in helping the poor that is what makes this verse a double whammy for me. My religion is about good intentions but it is mostly about good intentions regarding ME. Now I hope to put this passage to heart because it is an area in which I am hardly faithful. But I also wish to encourage those who are Christians to consider how they can assist those in need. At the heart of our religion is a movement to help others, for without helping those in distress our faith will die.
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