Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Are You Dead Or Alive....courtesy of our good friends at ChristianSurfers.com

Dead or Alive

As Christian Surfers, sometimes we are guilty of proclaiming our faith without backing it up with our actions.

This past summer at Christian Surfers Prep School I was reminded once again of what it really means to be a Christian. The studies allowed us to reflect on how to be a true friend in Christ to the surfers that are in "our world". We were challenged to remember that when we "see a need, meet it". Each step that we were taken through invited us to take action. To be a true friend, one must know the other-not just know their name or know their favorite surf spot. To truly know another, a relationship must be formed. Sometimes the only way to meet a persons spiritual needs is by meeting their relational needs first. Among the list of ways to do this is by prayer and service.


We must pray for our friend, interceding on their behalf with our creator. It's surprising how much closer I feel to my friends when I pray for them. It allows my heart to experience empathy for their current situation and it also helps me engage in conversation with my friend by asking them for updates on what's going on in their life.


Service is what helps make our faith complete. Without service, our faith is dead. Let's not just say, "God bless you." Let us bless them by our service to their needs. If you see someone struggling to get their boards strapped on their car, why not help them out? If your friend is really anxious and stressed, let's give of our time and pray with them. Don't just watch someone struggle with carrying groceries... help! Just as I was challenged this summer to see a need and meet it, I encourage you to do the same. Let's not just say what we believe, let's live it.

-Sara Peevyhouse

James 2:14-17
What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don't show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, "Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well' -but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.

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