Devotion

Serving Others

Dear friends, do you think you’ll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, “Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!” and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup—where does that get you? Isn’t it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?

I can already hear one of you agreeing by saying, “Sounds good. You take care of the faith department, I’ll handle the works department.” Not so fast.... 

James 2: 14 - 18 (The Message Translation)

James reflects on faith in this passage. Martin Luther found it hard to reconcile the way that James talked about faith and works, given our understanding that faith in Jesus is the way of salvation, without the need for works to achieve this grace-given gift. 

Yet it is an interesting reflection that often a living faith is reflected in the fruits of the spirit that others can see in us - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. 

We started the year by looking at these verses at our Opening Chapel and taking the time to reflect on the actions of Neale Daniher, who was recently awarded Australian of the Year. Neale is a famous football player who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease about 10 years ago and has since then devoted his life to raising funds to combat MND through scientific research, as well as to support those already suffering from the disease. One of the famous quotes of Neale's is 'When there is nothing left to say, it is what you do that counts'. It is an inspiring call to action to reflect on as Neale has chosen to combat MND in any way he can rather than accepting it. 

It is interesting to reflect that as Christians, our faith often produces action. The nature of our relationship with God causes us to live differently. Often we have a misunderstanding about what it is God would have us do if we were to truly submit our life fully to him.  

God seeks to lead us to lives which are perfectly, uniquely, and wonderfully designed to bring us, and others around us, fulfilment, purpose, passion, and joy. 

God calls us to a life of service because he loves us and has designed us for this purpose. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” The service he is calling us to is perfect for us because He is the one who formed us and knows us. 

Our encouragement at Opening Chapel to reflect on for the year was to consider how we might be able to serve others and share the good news about Jesus this year. It could be through participating in Walk My Way to raise funds for Australian Lutheran World Service to support refugees overseas, or our annual Pong a thon to help those affected by slavery around the world. It might be through volunteering your time or expertise around the school or in our community, or supporting a charity of your choice. The list of possibilities is almost endless! 

Dear God, 

We ask that we can have faith in your love and perfect will for us, that we could show your love through serving others, and experience the joy of living each day with intentional purpose. May the Holy Spirit fill us with a desire to live a life for others, reflecting God's love for us. 

Amen.

Blessings!

Will Wallace

Principal