Just do it! This is a slogan many think Nike created and has since made millions from its use. But Nike did not invent this slogan. James the brother of Jesus did. In James 1:22, he admonishes us to “be doers of the Word…” This year’s theme for our Vision book is based on that verse and carries with it the idea that we need to be as active in the Lord’s work as possible – today, this year, and beyond.
When we greet one another we occasionally ask, “how are you doing or what have you been doing?” What if God were to ask you, concerning His kingdom and His work to be done here on earth, “what have you been doing for me?” How daunting and sobering would it be for us to answer that question?
It is often said that seeing is believing, but from a biblical point of view it is actually doing that is believing. I am sure you have read Hebrews 11 time and time again and have thought of it as the great faith chapter. Each person in Hebrews 11 is prefaced with the phrase, “by faith,” but for different reasons. Not once is their faith ever described by something they said or spoke to others, but rather it is for something that they did.
Hebrews 11: (NASB) 4 By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice …
7 By faith Noah, … prepared an ark ….
8 By faith Abraham, … obeyed by going out to a place …
24 By faith Moses, ..25 choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God …
27 By faith he left Egypt, …
30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.
In addition to James we are reminded by Paul to be doers of the word and not just merely hearers.
“For it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified” (Romans 2:13).
We have many tasks before us which require help from each and every one to accomplish. We have planned for them and we have talked about them, but now is the time that we cease from all the talk and get busy doing. Let’s be sure others can see our belief by observing our doing.
Jesus said in Matthew 28:19-20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. ….” We have been given the command of carrying the gospel to the world AND we must take charge to actively pursue every way we can to do it.
We can all do better at being doers of the word. Seek out opportunities and just do it.
Gregg Woodall