When being is divorced from doing, pious thoughts become an adequate substitute for washing dirty feet

When being is divorced from doing, pious thoughts become an adequate substitute for washing dirty feet

Brennan Manning, a well-known author and speaker in the Christian community, often emphasized the importance of living out one's faith through action rather than simply holding pious thoughts or beliefs. In his book "The Ragamuffin Gospel," Manning frequently touched on the idea that true faith is not just about what we believe, but how we live our lives in response to those beliefs.

The quote "When being is divorced from doing, pious thoughts become an adequate substitute for washing dirty feet" speaks to the danger of becoming complacent in our faith. It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that as long as we have the right beliefs or say the right prayers, we are fulfilling our duty as Christians. However, Manning would argue that true faith requires more than just words or thoughts – it requires action.

In the Bible, Jesus frequently emphasized the importance of serving others and living out our faith through acts of love and compassion. One of the most powerful examples of this is when Jesus washed his disciples' feet, a task typically reserved for servants. By humbling himself and performing this act of service, Jesus demonstrated the true meaning of love and selflessness.

Manning believed that we are called to follow in Jesus' footsteps by actively serving others and living out our faith in tangible ways. He often spoke about the importance of reaching out to those in need, showing compassion to the marginalized, and embodying the love of Christ in all that we do.

When we divorce our beliefs from our actions, we run the risk of becoming hypocrites – professing one thing with our lips while living in a way that contradicts our professed beliefs. Pious thoughts and prayers are important, but they must be accompanied by a life of service and love if they are to have any real impact.