"Do More Than Just Believe!"

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.” – Romans 8:28 (NLT)

Patty Berry Rhodes was one of those folks who often used just a few words packed with a spiritual punch of meaning and inspiration. “Doing more” was not just a cliché for Patty, it was her mantra and captured the essence of her faith walk and service in this life as a disciple of Christ.

As I pondered and prayed over how to compose this first of what is hoped to be many blogs, the words of the Apostle Paul kept coming to mind. It is a familiar passage of scripture, and it also aligns perfectly with the message of “doing more” and being very intentional in the way we live. Paul and Patty had at least two things in common. Both were very bold in their faith and intentional in the way that they lived.

When one lives with intention, faith, and a desire to serve out God’s purpose, the end result is a life well-lived and a witness for Christ to anyone who comes in contact with that individual. As I reflect on this quote from Patty and Paul’s written word in Scripture, I see nothing passive in either statement. Believing in and of itself can be a very passive thing. I believed in God years before I became a true follower of Christ. It wasn’t until I fully grasped what it means to be fully devoted to God and the saving grace of the cross that my walk and faith turned into an active process.

Intentional living and “doing more” requires that we make an active choice to answer God’s call and seek continually and purposefully His direction for our life. The sincere heart who seeks to live in concert with the Apostle Paul’s words in Romans 8:28 will receive direction and prompting to do more than sit passively and watch life happen. Christ followers are purposeful and find joy in using their talents, time, and treasure to live in such a way that others see that joy and engage in the pursuit of spiritual discovery. Essentially, they look at the lives of people like Patty and say to themselves, “I want whatever it is that she has!” True faith lived out in actions rather than words alone will get the attention of others.

May God bless you this day and always… Winnie