Devotion: Action

“…But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit…” Matthew 13:23

“If I just can figure this out, then I’ll have faith.” In my years as pastor, I’ve regularly had this phrase, or something much like it, said to me. Essentially the message is, “If I know, then I’d believe.”

I find it curious that the concept of faith – which has never been about intellect – has it’s default setting as that which is an academic enterprise. Part of this is our fault as Lutheran Christians. Of all the Christian expressions, Lutheranism has the strongest background in academic and theological reasoning. While inherently not a bad thing, I feel over our long history, that our intellectual and academic mindset has perhaps made us less faithful.  

I have always believed and professed that we never think our way into belief, rather we act our way into believing. This bears repeating. We do not think our way into faith, we act our way into faith.

In her sermon this past weekend, Pastor Michelle relayed the Parable of the Sower. What always sticks out to me is the abundance with which our Lord sows. Pastor Michelle spoke about modern day seeds, and the expense of planting the crop. In the parable, seeds were less expensive than they are today. However, God gives so generously, in order that his love may be made known.  

The Parable of the Sower makes one thing very clear, God acts more than he figures. Unlike our modern farmers who figure out exactly how to get the most out of each seed, God acts abundantly, and out of his abundance he acts. Point being, so should we! 

Is there something that is keeping you from acting in faith? Are you stuck on trying to “figure out” something before you act on it? Jesus would tell you to simply act… as long as, and especially as you act out of love and with faith. We will never start unless we take the first step. And Lord knows, we need to get started.  

Let us pray…

Loving Lord, you give so abundantly, and yet we live so fearfully. You are always focused on matters of the heart, and we are usually seeking to strategically figure. Open us to the reckless nature of your love, and prompt us to boldly act in ways that make your love known. We pray in Jesus’ name.

Written by Pastor Greg Bouvier

Pastor Greg heard God’s call to Sheridan in 1999 and that began a journey which has become his life’s work. Having played a variety of roles as pastor of Sheridan, Pastor Greg was called as the Senior Pastor in 2011. He leads the staff and his primary focus is on the creation of culture, the overall direction of worship and partnering with our amazing team. Pastor Greg has been married to Rose for more than 30 years and together they have two servant-hearted grown children.