WITH NO STRINGS ATTACHED

When we hear the phrase “with no strings attached,” we generally think of something that’s being sold or someone doing something without seeking anything in return. The phrase itself has an interesting origin. It’s tied back to an 18th century custom of fabric merchants and how they marked flawed cloth. When there were flaws, a small string was attached to a bolt of cloth to identify it from those which didn’t. Therefore, when someone needed flawless material, they would seek the bolts “with no strings attached.”

Some approach Christianity with a similar mindset, that being “with no strings attached.” As long as it entails no more than attending a few worship services every now and then, and not having to be actively involved in the work of the church, they feel they’ve done all they need to do to please the Lord. However, as we look to the pages of the Bible, we find verses of an active faith, one in which if we love the Lord, will keep His commandments/abide by His words (John 14:15, 23); that we will be doers of the word and not just hearers (James 1:22; Matthew 7:21), which includes “maintaining good works” (Titus 3:8; Galatians 6:9); and that we will be servants, following the example of our Lord and Savior (Matthew 20:28; John 13:15-17).

Though there are many who have chosen to follow a religious path that has few or no strings attached to it, may we adhere to the teachings of the Bible and be about doing the will of our Father in heaven (1 John 2:17), for it’s those who are doers and endure to the end that will receive the crown of life (James 1:12).