“The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself in love.”
Galatians 5:6
Don’t you just love it when things are made simple? Really, just think about the times you have learned something new…more than likely, the method was not through a series of complex precepts. Oh, I know, many of you are extremely bright and are able to learn regardless of how a message is presented. Well, I am not one of those people!
One of my activities is serving as a director on the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund board. When we get together, as you might imagine, we are presented with the very latest scientific information. And, as you might also imagine, given the topic of the human brain, that information can be very daunting in complexity. However, the lead research scientist relays the latest findings in such a way as to help all of the lay people understand much of what would otherwise go right over our heads. Even though he could certainly “wow us” with his brilliant mind by speaking a “language” we wouldn’t understand, he realizes it is more important to give clarity, than to impress.
The God of the universe and all of creation could have given His instruction to humanity in such a way, that you and I would have need of an interpreter. Actually, before Jesus came to the earth, God’s prophets did serve somewhat as interpreters, relaying the message of God’s Word. However, when Jesus was here, He embodied the Very Being and Mind of God. Jesus was and is “The Word!” “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.” [John 1:1-2] Today, as amazing as it may be, you and I are privy to understanding the Word of God. He tells us, “I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” [Hebrews 10:16]
The verse at the beginning of this devotion, from the Book of Galatians is so simple, yet so profound! “The only thing that counts is faith, expressing itself in love.” Faith, that is rooted in, not your ability or mine, but rather in the ability of the cross, through Jesus Christ; demonstrated in the love we show toward one another, is The Bible in a nutshell. Just think about the conflict throughout history in this world and the conflict of today among mankind. If we would put into practice this one directive…well, then, there might be no need of heaven!
Dear God, You have equipped me with everything I need for imparting Your love in the world. YOU even supply the faith to any willing heart. Give me such a heart, LORD! AMEN
To The One Who gave His very Son, Jesus. The deepest act of love…EVER!!