Faith in Motion. That’s the name of this blog. But what does it mean and why did I choose the name? As a coach and health instructor, I cherish the act of movement. But knowing about fitness, and being fit, are two completely different constructs. I could have all the head knowledge about fitness, but if I am unable to carry out those instructions, it is worthless. So my question is, are you fit? Or do you just know about fitness?
“And become doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” – James 1:22
The epistle of James is a gem of knowledge. But more importantly, it is a call to put on your work boots. This is a reminder to produce fruit. James’ letter is a call to action. These are the works that all believers should be doing. And if I am honest, it is a reminder for me that I should be producing good fruit.
“But do you wish to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? – James 2:17
James is a difficult epistle to stomach for some, because it speaks of works. And we often hold the idea that we only need to “believe in Jesus.” Just have this intellectual knowledge that He is the Messiah and we are all good. But even Yahusha the Messiah tells us to put on our work boots if we want to enter the kingdom.
“Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, by their fruits you shall know them. Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Master, Master’ shall enter into the reign of the heavens, but he who is doing the desire of My Father in the heavens.” – Matthew 7:19-21
But how do we know our Father’s desire? Paul reminds us it is about obedience and doing the good works that have been laid out to us from beforehand. Although we often choose to neglect those verses that speak of our call to action.
“For by favor you have been saved through belief, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of Elohim, it is not by works, so that no one should boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9
There you go! We only need to believe, right?
“For we are His workmanship, created in Messiah Yahusha UNTO GOOD WORKS, which Elohim prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” – Ephesians 2:10
Oh, I guess I should have kept reading. We are created to be workers for the Messiah, emulating His behavior and walk. We cannot save and resurrect ourselves, though. It is Yahusha Messiah who will resurrect us on the Last Day. I am not telling anyone that we can work our way to eternal life. But we need to put on our work boots and become “doers of the Word.” This means actively following and applying the teachings of Scripture in our lives, rather than just reading or listening to them.
Paul reminds us that Yahusha Messiah “…gave Himself for us, to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for Himself a people, His own possession, ARDENT FOR GOOD WORKS.” – Titus 2:14
John says, “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but IN DEED AND IN TRUTH.” – 1 John 3:18
Yahusha straight up tells us how to please the Father by giving us the greatest commands.
“You shall love Yahuah your Elohim with all your heart, and with all your being, and with all your mind.” – Matthew 22:37
“And the second, like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commands hang all the Torah and the Prophets.” – Matthew 22:39-40
Love Yahuah. Love your neighbor. “On these two commands hang all of the Torah and the Prophets.” This is a phrase that often gets obscured in the text. But every command given to us in the Torah speaks of either loving the Father or loving our neighbor. Whether that means honoring Yahuah’s appointed times like Passover and Sabbath, or loving your neighbor by not oppressing your hired servant or those in need. We should all be a living offering to Yahuah, not conformed to this world, not thinking more of ourselves than others, being at peace with all, and having kindness to strangers. If the root is set apart, so should the branches be set-apart (see Romans 11 and 12).
With all this in mind, I know that there are ways that I can become more aligned with the Father’s commands. And to do this, I need to put on my work boots, and walk even as He walked, loving Yahuah and loving my neighbor. Personally, how can I better please the Father?
Loving Yahuah…
- Recognizing, preparing for, and better observing His appointed times like Passover, Unleavened Bread, Sukkot, etc.
- Remembering the Sabbath to keep it set apart from the rest of the week
- Declaring the glorious Name of Yahuah, and not bringing it to naught
- Destroying idols and strongholds, whether that be physical objects or personal desires
- Engaging in spiritual warfare through fasting and prayer
- Obeying all His commands
Loving my neighbor…
- Providing more respect, patience, and care for my parents and others
- Removing covetous behavior and thoughts
- Eliminating foolish talk/course jesting
- Providing empathy, support, and care for the poor and those in need
- Evaluating and better developing the fruits of the spirit
“All Scripture is breathed out by Elohim and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for setting straight for instruction in righteousness, that the man of Elohim might be fitted, EQUIPPED FOR EVERY GOOD WORK.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
ALL scripture is useful, regardless of where it is found in the Book. And that means also looking through the pages of Leviticus and Deuteronomy to find out how we can better love Yahuah and love our neighbor. We need to discover what our Father desires and how we can produce good fruit. To bring this analogy full circle, let’s first learn about “fitness.” Read and listen to the pages of Scripture. Be hearers of the Word. But then put on your work boots, get “fit,” and become doers of the Word!
FAITH IN MOTION 