And the Prize Goes to …

Much commotion and opinion surrounded us as our President, Barack Obama, was given the Nobel Peace Prize last week.  As I sat in the media commentary, facebook comments and my own discussions I began to realize that not only does it seem that our society value ideals over actions, but so do I.

Much commotion and opinion surrounded us as our President, Barack Obama, was given the Nobel Peace Prize last week.  As I sat in the media commentary, facebook comments and my own discussions I began to realize that not only does it seem that our society value ideals over actions, but so do I.
As I heard people saying, "what has he done?", "isn’t this a slap in the face of other recipients who worked so hard in their life for the greater good for many? he hasn’t produced anything!", "I should get an award for my good ideas" and on and on I began to realize that I assume that my words and ideas equal action and I want to be praised for that. 
James 2:14-19 says,
"What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but does not have works? Can this kind of faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm and eat well,” but you do not give them what the body needs, what good is it? So also faith, if it does not have works, is dead being by itself. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith without works and I will show you faith by my works. You believe that God is one; well and good. Even the demons believe that – and tremble with fear."
That last line really hits me – "even the demons believe that (God is one) – and tremble with fear".  You believe in God – big deal.  James wants more than our words and so does Jesus.
Each time Scripture speaks of rewards someone has done something, suffered, persevered, etc – there has been action. 
My lazy heart, mind, body and soul want a reward and recognition, for people to be impressed by my words, yet they are hollow without action.  Apparently our culture sees it this way as well.  How will we live differently?