Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22
“The only satisfactory manifestations of religious character and life are associated with the reciprocal influences of spiritual experience and aggressive activity.”
J. M. Holmes in Dictionary of Burning Words of Brilliant Writers, compiled by Josiah Hotchkiss Gilbert (New York: Wilbur B. Ketcham, 1895) 117.
Are you aggressive with regard to your spiritual life in Christ? With Holmes, I believe the only satisfactory manifestation of our faith is aggressive activity.
Some may balk at the ‘aggressive’ term, but we must all remember that James, the half-brother of Jesus Himself said we deceive ourselves if we are not hearers and doers of the Word.
Perhaps the word ‘aggressive’ throws you off? I get that, but consider this. Is there really any such thing as a passive response to Jesus Christ?
If you think so, I’ll let you explain that to Jesus. For those who aim to do what the Word says, act not passively, but rather, aggressively.
I have an important foundation meeting for GTP in Chattanooga today. Of course I pray it goes well. Why have this meeting? Why come all the way here?
I will engage with a foundation that wants to use the resources they steward to claim territory all over the planet for God’s kingdom. Now, that’s aggressive activity of the Christian generosity sort!
Go and give likewise!