Not All Activity is Action

“How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.” James 2:18 NLT

Ever feel like you’re spinning your wheels? Your schedule is packed but at the end of the day, it’s hard to put your finger on what you accomplished. Nothing gained, no markers passed. Yet you’re tired and ready to close your computer or flip on the TV and call it a day.

There’s an old saying that not all activity is action. You may be crossing things off your list of to-do’s but how much of that moves you towards your end goal? You can be deceived by busyness when what you’re really doing is avoiding the down-and-dirty work it’s going to take to advance your career, your relationships, your life through this valley.

It’s like you’re embodying the scripture in Ecclesiastes 1:2, “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.”

Moving forward in faith means setting measurable goals and then creating a plan to meet those goals. Advancement in a career is not easy. Greater fulfillment in a marriage or friendship takes commitment and vulnerability. Taking ground spiritually to advance God’s kingdom in your life or another’s requires tenacity, perseverance and often, serious spiritual warfare.

The Bible refers to the advancement of the Kingdom of Heaven as forceful. It doesn’t come easy and it may not come quick. It takes deliberate action and it’s something that “violent” people lay hold of (Matthew 11:12).

In other words, your little to-do list will probably not get the job done.

If you’re tired of walking in circles, tired of going around that same bush—a career stall, relational conflict, or overwhelming debt—consider a new approach. Consider the action that will move you forward in life and into the fullness of all God has promised for those that believe. Let your faith shine with each step you take.

Pray:“God, help me walk in faith and prioritize my life so that I am truly accomplishing good things. I look to you for wisdom and grace, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

Seek: What action will move you toward your goals? Write down at least one thing you can do today that is real action and not just busy activity.

Speak: I am walking my faith out with action.