Faith Must be Backed by Work
For the first time ever, I shoveled my own walkway and shoveled my own steps. Yep, I got up, got dressed, was heading out to go to work when my foot slipped on the way to my car. I then looked out at the walkway and noticed the mail carrier’s footprints from the day before. I figured that maybe I should take care of it. So, I shoveled then sprinkled salt on the steps, walkway, and driveway near my car.
No, you absolutely do not care that I shoveled. In fact, unless I’m cleaning your walkway, you probably don’t want to hear or read about it. And that’s fine – but I have a good point, so keep reading.
Okay, you see, this time last year, I didn’t need to shovel or salt. The reason being, I lived in an apartment and it was someone else’s job to take care of the snow and ice.
This year, however, I live in a house, so more is required of me. I cannot expect that my walkway will be shoveled unless I do it. But you know what? I prayed for this, right?
What’s that good point I’m so sure of? Well, glad you read far enough to ask.
Honor the Work and Maintenance
We are all praying for and expecting God to upgrade us and fulfill the promises He’s made to us. Now, I am all for it, but I have come to realize that more will be required of me for every upgrade and promise I receive.
You see, with more comes greater responsibility and the need for accountability. When you get that new job and financial increase, the duties increase. Once that business is started and clients are pouring in, a standard must be set and continually met. There is so much to be done to keep it afloat and keep customers happy. And you know what? It’s gonna take more work and effort on your part. You must “shovel your own walkway”.
So, What’s the Play Call?
I am in 100% agreement that we are to expect the blessings of God in this new year. But, I also know that the magnitude of what He is about to shower down requires us to get to work without haste. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare for your upgrade:
- Your faith must be backed by your work ethic. “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” James 2:26
- You must work to have what you are requesting. Yes, faith is good, in fact, it’s impossible to please God without it (Hebrews 11:6 in our Playbook). But, working helps to keep what you’ve prayed for. “Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10, NLT
- The more you have, the more will be required of you. Uh-huh, more house, more to clean, more blessings, more responsibility. “But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.” Luke 12:48, NLT
Nope, I am not trying to discourage you from the excitement of your upcoming blessings. I am excited with you. I just want you to be prepared to put in the work that will come with it. I want God to be pleased with how we handle what He gives us.
So, get that shovel out and handle that walkway.
