James 2:15-16
If a brother or sister is ill-clad and in lack of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what does it profit?
Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science, used to offer to send "good thoughts" to friends for Christmas. G.K. Chesterton, ever practical, said that if was all the same to Mrs. Eddy, he'd just as soon have a present. Christianity has never had much patience with the notion that what was spiritual was ethereal, disembodied and airy-fairyish. Christianity insists, as its root principle, that the Word become flesh. So if we are serious, our faith must be made flesh too. "Good thoughts" are swell and all, but if they don't lead you to fork over bread to hungry people, or give clothing to a guy who is freezing, they're worse than worthless. For they give you the warm self-approving glow of being a Superior Moral and Enlightened Being even while they harden your heart against the suffering Lazarus who might be sitting outside your gate. Today, feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome a stranger, give somebody clothing. There are a zillion charities just waiting for your help.
