FAITH WORKS BY LOVE

Some folk are most unhappy, that a Christian has to work. They think belief is adequate and they can sit and shirk, Away from their combining their faith along with deeds. To think that they can’t laze around, just violates their creeds. They think they are so special. Their Father is the King; And that they have a licence, for doing not a thing. And in their estimation, there’s one four letter word. The word is “work”; and by them, it never should be heard. “God will provide” they tell us. And if we answer “how”? You’d think we’d gone and slaughtered their favourite holy cow! “By faith” is what they comment. They do not understand, That God abhors the sluggard. And they are far too grand, To have to stoop to working. They get it all for free. “The Lord will somehow do it and give it all to me!” That’s not the Christianity that Jesus ever taught. It’s also not the Kingdom, into which they were brought. They haven’t read the Scripture that goes with work and food. Their hunger pangs will fix them and smash their idle mood! The same is true of everything that’s written in God’s word. You have to put your trust in Him and do what you have heard. For if you do not do it, your holiness is shot. And if we are not Holy, Salvation, we have not! Yes! There is a connection, ‘tween work and Holiness. They always go together; like soap and cleanliness! For cleanliness is possible by washing off the grime. And if you do not do it, you’re going to smell, big time! So faith and work are partners and both of them you need. They are the combination that will cause you to succeed. Faith is the foundation, on which our virtue rests. By working to acquire it we’re sure to pass His test. Then carry on to knowledge and then to self control; To steadfastness and godliness, that’s how you are made whole. But this requires effort; and work means just the same. You have to use your energy, to play the loving game. And finally when you are done and look back down the years; And think of all your effort, your eyes will fill with tears. For you will see historically how faith and work succeeds; And thank the Lord for what He did with faith and love and deeds. Jim Strickland – Written – 28th November 2011