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In our spiritual journey, it's easy to fall into the trap of simply going through the motions. We attend church, occupy our usual pew, and maybe even volunteer occasionally. But is this truly what God calls us to do? Is merely showing up enough?

Let's consider the story of Jimothy (a fictional name used to protect privacy). Jimothy was an employee at a discount store who mastered the art of doing the bare minimum. He showed up for work, wore the uniform, and had the title of an employee. But that's where his commitment ended. Jimothy was an expert at avoiding real work, disappearing for long periods, and generally being more of a hindrance than a help.

This tale of Jimothy serves as a perfect analogy for a deeper spiritual truth. How often do we, as believers, resemble Jimothy in our faith walk? We show up, we wear the "Christian" label, but are we truly engaged and committed?

The Bible gives us a powerful contrast between two types of spiritual attitudes: the hireling and the shepherd. In John 10:11-15, Jesus describes these two characters:

“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.” (John 10:11–15, KJV)

The hireling shows up, yes. He's present and accounted for. He even sees the danger coming. But when faced with real challenge or sacrifice, the hireling runs away. The hireling prioritizes self over others, comfort over commitment.

How often do we exhibit this hireling mentality in our spiritual lives? We're fine with attending church, but when it comes to serving in a way that's inconvenient or sacrificial, we balk. We're happy to be Christians when it's easy, but what about when it's hard?

In contrast, the shepherd doesn't just show up – he shows up ready to sacrifice. The shepherd cares deeply for the sheep and is willing to lay down his life for them. This is the example Jesus sets for us and calls us to follow.

This contrast between mere attendance and true commitment is vividly illustrated in the Old Testament story of David and Goliath. For forty days, the army of Israel showed up to the battlefield. They were present, in uniform, ready for war – or so it seemed. But when faced with the intimidating presence of Goliath, they were paralyzed with fear.

Then along came David, a young shepherd boy with no military training or obligation to fight. Yet David didn't just show up – he stepped up. He saw the challenge, recognized the affront to God's honor, and took action. David's courage and faith stand in stark contrast to the inaction of the trained soldiers.

This story challenges us: Are we like the soldiers of Israel, showing up but cowering in the face of real challenges? Or are we like David, ready to step up and face our "Goliaths" with faith and courage?

James 2:17 tells us, "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” This verse isn't promoting a works-based salvation, but rather highlighting an important truth: true faith inevitably leads to action. As one theologian put it, "Faith alone saves, but the faith that saves is not alone."

So, what does this mean for us practically? It means we're called to do more than just attend church – we're called to be the church. It means not just showing up to serve, but actually serving with our whole hearts. It means living out our faith not just on Sundays, but every day of the week.

God isn't impressed by our attendance record. He's moved by our obedience. He's not looking for warm bodies to fill pews, but for committed disciples ready to engage in spiritual warfare. He's calling us to love like Jesus, serve like Jesus, and sacrifice like Jesus.

This call to active faith isn't always convenient or comfortable. It might mean sacrificing our time to help a neighbor in need. It could involve stepping out of our comfort zone to share our faith with a coworker. It might require us to forgive someone who has deeply hurt us. Whatever form it takes, active faith will always cost us something.

But here's the beautiful truth: when we step out in faith and obedience, we experience God in ways we never could by simply showing up. We see His power at work in and through us. We witness lives changed, including our own. We discover a depth of relationship with God that goes far beyond mere religious observance.

As we reflect on this challenge to move beyond just showing up, let's ask ourselves some hard questions:

  1. Am I content with simply attending church, or am I actively seeking to grow and serve?
  2. When faced with challenges or opposition, do I shrink back like a hireling or step forward in faith like a shepherd?
  3. Is my faith producing tangible fruit in my life and the lives of others?
  4. Am I living as a committed disciple of Jesus every day, or just on Sundays?

Remember, if Jesus is our standard – and He should be – then doing more than just showing up isn't optional. It's the natural outflow of a heart transformed by His love and empowered by His Spirit.

So let's not settle for being spiritual Jimothys or hirelings. Instead, let's embrace the call to active, engaged, sacrificial faith. Let's be shepherds who care deeply, Davids who step up courageously, and disciples who follow Jesus wholeheartedly. For it's in doing so that we'll truly experience the abundant life Jesus promised and make a lasting impact for His kingdom.