Christian Counseling Service -- Devotions

Contemplate and act

Friday, March 3, 2017

From Matthew 9
The disciples of John approached Jesus and asked, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?" Jesus answered them, "Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them?"

St. Francis loved to preach. But he cautioned himself and his friars, "All the friars should preach by their deeds."

Now Francis used lots of words, sometimes preaching in five villages a day, standing on a bale of straw or box or the steps of a public building. His biographer said "his words were neither hollow nor ridiculous," and "his feet moved as if he were dancing." He loved his words.

So what did Francis mean ... "preach by their deeds?"

In school I spent more time learning to write than to speak. And more time learning to speak than to listen. But that's the opposite of what life requires. In life it's most important that I listen before I speak, and certainly before I put anything down in writing.

Likewise, in relationships I too often speak before I act, and act before I consider. And that gets me out of the frying pan into the boiling water before I can say to myself, "Look out, frog! You've done it again!"

I feel foolish but worse, I've lost a chance to bless, edify, share, and touch my companion. Instead all I've done is use words with what is too often a false or flimsy foundation of deeds.

Deeds aren't so simple either. My motivations are always at least a little mixed. And I might second-guess myself into passivity or leap headlong into aggression.

Could I at least consider what I do for a moment before I jump? Stop. Look. Listen. Look before you leap. I've heard this all my life, right?

Jesus knew his disciples would fast, but he wanted them to consider their actions first and, above all, to speak much less rather than more about it all. Be quiet about it, and "your father who sees in secret will repay you."

Paul said, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." When I contemplate and pray, when I close my mouth and open both my ears instead, this advice from Paul comes easy. God is not our taskmaster; God loves us all with all his heart.

My heart awakens at your touch, Lord. My thoughts deepen in your presence. When I can finally be quiet, your stillness becomes my strength. In your silence, when I can hear my heart beat again and again, nothing else is required. You are all I need. Pour this truth into the core of my soul.

Devotions Archive

Contemplate and act

Friday, March 3, 2017