vigorously or frequently; doing things for an organization or cause rather than simply giving it one's support; working, operative and in continuous use. It is the sense of preferring action -doing something to achieve an aim, to contemplation- looking thoughtfully or planning something for a long time. Have you ever purchased an exercise video or gym membership, but never used it? Or Maybe you just watched the infomercial and wished that abs would suddenly grow on your body by osmosis! LOL! Not likely. Nike said it well, "Just Do It!"
Sherman and I took a personality test called the Strengths Finder and found out one of his gifts is Activation and mine was called Intellection. It is the perfect combination when it works well, but at times there's tension: he wants to act before something's been thought through and fully believed, or I want to contemplate too long without acting - which turns to procrastination. James said this:
If I look at your actions, will I see your faith? Can I trace them back and see what you're believing God for without you even opening your mouth? We need to both BELIEVE & ACT!!! It is not sufficient for us to just do one or the other. Sometimes it's not enough to just cheer and tell your friend/family member/boss/co-worker/or even your pastor "Go for it! I believe in you. I'm with you in spirit! I'm praying for you!" Sometimes you need to DO something(s) that show your support.What good does it do, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith but does not prove it with actions? This kind of faith cannot save him, can it? Suppose a brother or sister does not have any clothes or daily food and one of you tells them, “Go in peace! Stay warm and eat heartily.” If you do not provide for their bodily needs, what good does it do? In the same way, faith by itself, if it does not prove itself with actions, is dead. But someone may say, “You have faith, and I have actions.” Show me your faith without any actions, and I will show you my faith by my actions." (James 2:14-18, ISV)
Have you ever met the guy who is always talking about his latest idea and what he's 'bout to do....Or the lady who has started a bunch of projects, businesses or ideas...but nothing ever sticks. Acting without thinking, planning and being fully persuaded is presumption. Just thinking, believing, planning and meditating without acting is lifeless and barren. "For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without actions is also dead." (James 2:26) This might be the time to integrate these essential parts of our personality and see God successfully accomplish through us many things that have been on hold....and that's exciting!!
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