People are typically impressed by those who take decisive action on important matters.

So why do people so often imagine that faith in God is something passive?

Real faith expresses itself in action!

Methodist founder John Wesley identified central action areas for faith in three simple rules:

Do things that draw you closer to God.

This includes going to worship, engaging in Bible study, practicing daily prayer, and taking part in small groups in church.

Do no harm.

This means resisting behaviors that harm others, avoiding things that would harm yourself, and taking care to protect the environment.

Do good.

This means acting decisively to create a better world, which we do most effectively by working together through the church!

As the Scripture says, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” (James 1:22)

Sunday’s Scripture Reading:
Jude 20–25

About the Author

Dr. David A. Palmer has been the senior pastor at the United Methodist Church of Kent since 1995. He has a B.A. from Wittenberg University, a Master of Divinity from Duke University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary. A native of Wooster, Ohio, he has served three other churches in east Ohio before coming to Kent. He and his wife, Mavis, have three children.