6/1/2026
Good Morning, Dear Friends,
It’s occurred to me lately that perhaps the reason why churches today struggle with volunteerism is that we have neglected to teach and study the book of James. James is the one who says, “Do not merely listen to the world, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22). In other words, at the end of the day, it’s what you do that matters. Believing is a good first step, but doing makes all the difference.
You can believe all you want — but until you start doing, your faith really makes no difference in your life. In today’s church culture, there is a sense in which people think, “If I’m in the building, I get credit.” If I’m in the church building, God looks down and goes, “Ah, good, he’s in church. She’s in church. Give her a better parking spot when she goes to Publix tomorrow. Give him a couple extra sales at work this month.” We feel like God looks at us in church and goes, “I’m so happy you’re in the building!” We think we’re more spiritual people, we’re more religious people, because we’ve been present.
Here’s another thing that happens in church. Have you ever been in church when the pastor is preaching something that’s really convicting, and you start feeling bad about yourself or guilty? You see, in American culture, we consider that a religious experience! “I went to church and I felt bad about myself, and it made me feel closer to God. If I were honest, I’d have to admit that I feel superior to other people, too, because I’ve been in the church house, I’ve endured a sermon, and I listened.”
But then there’s James, the brother of Jesus, who says, “Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” But if I start doing what it says, that’s going to mess up everything! I just want credit for hearing it and feeling bad about the fact that I don’t do what it says! What James is telling us is that believing is great, but it’s the application that makes all the difference. It’s doing something!
At the end of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, here is Jesus’ summary statement. He said, “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice, is like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24). “No, Jesus, I don’t want to actually do something, I just want to feel bad about it! And hope that makes me feel closer to God!”
The bottom line of the Christian faith? It’s what you do that makes all the difference.
Bruce Jones, Pastor
Imagine Church
5501 Highway 55 East
Clover SC 29710
980-999-3500
