Yesterday, I shared this profound quote:

Education without application is just entertainment. –John W. Crane, quoting Tim Sanders in The One-Number Budget

When you think “application” of scripture, what comes to mind? Maybe…

• The 10 Commandments, especially the last five:
  • Don’t take your neighbor’s life
  • Don’t take your neighbor’s wife
  • Don’t take your neighbor’s stuff
  • Don’t lie
  • Don’t covet
• The spiritual disciplines like Daily Time with God that I talk about from time to time
• “Do justice, love kindness, walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6.8)

Those are all good things to do. But is that all?

I was struck by this paragraph from Jesus:

Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in My name, this will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it. (John 14.12 – 14, LSB)

Very powerful words…linked to works. Do I believe? Where are the greater works?

The “entertainment” quote was in the context of money management, and how to save enough for retirement. It’s not enough to know, you have to act! Makes sense. What are some actions with respect to money?

• Don’t steal it (8th commandment)
• Earn it and give some away (Ephesians 4.28)
• Put it into a savings account to earn interest (the minimum form of obedience in the parable of the talents)
• Intentionally invest significant amounts for the future
• Risk it to start a business so it can be doubled or more (the commended behavior in the parable of the talents).

With respect to the Kingdom, I think most of us are content with the lower (easier) forms of obedience. Don’t do bad stuff. Try to do a little good stuff. But do I really believe Jesus wants me to do “greater works” than he did? Do I live as if I believe “If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it”?

William Carey, pioneer missionary to India said:

Expect great things from God! Attempt great things for God! -William Carey

Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities. (Isaiah 54.2, 3, NIV)