Philemon 1:6, "I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ."

Think

Active: characterized by action rather than contemplation or speculation

How often do we think about something we should do but never do it? The idea gets bogged down in our brain as we contemplate what we could do and speculate the potential results.

We get an idea like: I know my neighbor has been in a difficult season, I should offer to help. We contemplate the idea, thinking through all the different things we could do. "I could send an encouraging note. I could make them a meal. I could call them and ask how they are doing. I could offer to pray for them." Then, we speculate about the idea. "What if they think an encouraging note is weird? What if they don't like what I cook? What if calling them is getting too personal? What if they're offended when I ask if I can pray for them?" And before you know it, a good idea gets locked up in contemplation and speculation without any action taking place.

The Bible tells us that we are to share our faith actively. When God gives us an idea about how we can be a blessing to those around us, we should act on it! By responding to God's prompting, we are putting our faith into action. Then, the Bible tells us, we will begin to understand every good thing we have in Christ!

Act

Spiritual maturity comes from action! Here's how you can turn ideas into action instead of getting stuck in contemplation and speculation. When you have an idea of something you could do, count down in your mind "3-2-1" then immediately make a physical movement toward your goal. Counting down "3-2-1" keeps your brain from getting stuck in contemplation and speculation mode. The result is A-C-T-I-O-N.

Pray

God, Thank You that You did not just contemplate and speculate on helping me. You acted. Please give me the discipline and courage to be active in sharing my faith today with others. In Your mighty name, I pray, Amen.