Faith That Does More Than Show Up

Alright, now, I’ll tell you what, Buttercup, you gotta git to pullin’ up a front porch rocker that ain’t ‘a-gonna be ‘a-squeakin’ like a cricket with stage fright ‘cause we’re ‘bout to go strollin’ into a truth warmer than some o’ grandma’s buttered cornbread fresh right out o’ the cast‑iron skillet. Romans 12:11 says, “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” And right alongside that, James 2:17 reminds us that “faith by itself, not accompanied by action, is dead.” That there is God’s way of sayin’ don’t be lettin’ your faith git as sluggish as an ol’ hound dog ‘a-tryin’ to wake up from a nap in July. Faith is meant to be stayin’ real  lively, bright, and ‘a-bubblin’ like Mama’s beef stew pot on a real cold winter night.

Now Buttercup, real faith just ain’t passive. That there passive faith done sits ‘round like a possum ‘a-waitin’ for somebody else to be ‘a-makin’ the first move. Real active faith done gits right up, rolls up its sleeves, and goes ‘a-chasin’ after Jesus like a rooster ‘a-chasin’ a juicy junebug. Mark 12:30 says that “we are to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.” That there word “all” means every bit of you, not just the Sunday mornin’ version of you that done smells like real fresh deodorant and even better good intentions.

Passive faith is done ‘a-hopin’ things is ‘a-gonnawork out. Active faith obeys even when your feelin’s are be ‘a-floppin’ ‘round like a catfish stuck on the riverbank. Passive faith done shows up ‘a-smilin’ real big on Sunday. Active faith done serves all week long, even when you are ‘a-standin’ in the grocery line behind somebody who can’t decide between two brands of pickles. Passive faith jes’ says grace before meals. Active faith thanks God while ‘a-washin’ dishes, ‘a-foldin’ laundry, and ‘a-chasin’ runaway chickens back into the coop.

Psalm 37:4 says, “Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” When you’re done actively in love with Jesus, He’s ‘a-shapein’ your desires like a potter ‘a-shapin’ clay. You be ‘a-thinkin’ ‘bout Him. You be ‘a-wantin’ to be ‘a-spendin’ time with Him. You be rearrangin’ your schedule for Him. You be ‘a-makin’ sacrifices for Him. That is what real love looks like, not the real lukewarm, half-awake, “I’ll be ‘a-gittin’ to it later” kind o’ faith.

So, you gotta stop your coastin’, Buttercup. Stop goin’ through the motions. Stop lettin’ your faith get as stale as a biscuit left out overnight. You gotta be ‘a-gittin’ actively in love with Jesus. Pursuin’ Him with everything you’ve got. That there is jes’ where abundant life starts ‘a-sproutin’ like springtime beans in a warm garden.

Father, help me be ‘a-keepin’ my faith lively, warm, and ‘a-bubblin’ with love for You. Teach me to be servin’ You with joy, to be seekin’ You with hunger, and to be followin’ You with all my heart. Keep me from ‘a-gettin’ passive or lukewarm. Be makin’ my faith active, steady, and strong. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now, listen up, Buttercup, as you done step off this porch and back on into your day, you gotta be rememberin’ that this here faith jes’ ain’t meant to be ‘a-sittin’ real still like a turtle sunbathin’ on a log. It’s meant to be movin’, breathin’, and growin’ like a vine ‘a-reachin’ for the light. Let your love for Jesus stay real warm, bright, and ‘a-blazin’ like a bonfire on a real crisp night. When you chase after Jesus with all you done have, you’ll be findin’ joy w whole lot deeper than a well and life so much richer than a big ol’ beautiful harvest field in full bloom.

With joy,

Gwen