Action in context is not always the doing of something. It is simply the intentional. Intentionally doing is more of the action that I speak of here. Too often I find that there is an aversion to thoughtful reflection. That aversion is based on the idea that somehow just sitting still is not productive, and that by doing so there is a visual that others may see as lazy. With intent, that could not be further from the truth.
This morning I continue my study of the word “faithful” and again am reading in Hebrews where I find three exhortations, draw near, hold fast, and consider, that are presented in God’s word. These I see as intentional action with God.
“22let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,” — Hebrews 10:22-24 (ESV)
Each of these exhortations are actions for me to take in my relationship with God. I am to draw near to Him, hold fast to Him, and consider how to get others to action with Him. On the surface, this seems as though I am not taking any action at all as it is all about me and my individual relationship with God. And where that is true, I will point to the intentional nature of the exhortations. I am to do all of these intentionally, not passively when I feel like it and have nothing else to do, but on purpose and with thought. This is action and that action is with faith.
My intentional action is that which is allowing me to know and understand the tasks that God has for me to complete. Without reflection and truly listening to God, I will certainly miss something. This morning even before reading, I prayed that God would guide me. I even said to Him that He should “hit me over the head” as I may not hear Him in His often whispers. This is intentional action to “draw near”, “hold fast”, and “consider”. I did not just happen to have the time to talk with God, I made the time and am in my office in the quiet early morning where I will not be disturbed to be sure and devote the time to Him. This is the intentional action.
All of my intentional action is great, however that has to be faithful and not simply a one time thing. I daily engage in prayer and study to learn and understand God’s Word. I know that I will not know or understand it all as there is too much and God is too big. But, with faithful action I will learn, know, and understand what God has for me and what my role in this world is to be.
What action are you doing or not doing in your relationship with God? Are you avoiding certain things with the thought that you have to be seen to be considered acting? What if you approached action as more intentional and did so faithfully each day with God?
Trevor's Thoughts 