Have you heard of “Orthopraxy?” I’m not usually one to throw around big words. And this one isn’t that big, really. Only four syllables. It’s not like, say, supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, or antidisestablishmentarianism. Still, “Orthopraxy” isn’t used very much in our everyday conversation but those four syllables mean a lot.
We quickly see in the root, “ortho”, something we’re familiar with that is derived from Greek. “Ortho” simply means “right” or “straight”. An orthodontist makes our teeth straight. An orthopedist makes our bones right or straight. Simple, right? The second part of the word, “praxy”, is pretty simple too. It simply means “actions.” When we put the two together, we get a word that means to do the right things. Or, if you prefer, to act the right way. Often the word is used to refer to how we worship in the context of a church service. But we can apply it more broadly.
Now, I don’t want to go too far with this word study stuff because, frankly, I sense you may be snoring soon. But here is the point: What we do is important. Really important! Orthopraxy, how we act, matters. More than that, how we act should line up with what we believe.
What we believe is formally identified with another word, “Orthodoxy.” We’re probably more familiar with this term which simply means to have correct, or right, doctrines, or beliefs. Religious folks spend a lot of time thinking about, talking about, and arguing about orthodoxy. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Highlighting their differences over both big and small issues.
Let’s stop here for just a second. I have to be clear right now! I am not saying that orthodoxy isn’t important. It is very important to know what we believe. To believe rightly based on what the scripture teaches. I do believe we need to emphasize thinking and talking more, while arguing less. That said, what we believe is very important. Foundationally important. We can, in fact, do all the right things, but if we believe wrongly, we are lost. In the shortest possible summary: We must believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and accept Him as our personal Savior.
Where orthopraxy comes in is making our faith effective. When our actions line up with what we believe, people notice. It is as simple as that. Listen to what Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (Jon 13:34-35).
To be sure, when Jesus talked about love, He wasn’t talking about sitting around having warm, fuzzy feelings about each other. He was talking about actions. And He set the example, “As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” And here’s the kicker: When we love in this way, when we love with action, people will know we are followers of Jesus. Why? Well, it is because we act like Him.
This isn’t the only time that Jesus talks about putting our faith into action. He tells the familiar story of “The Good Samaritan” (see Luke 10:25-37). A story about a man who reaches out and cares for a total stranger, even when religious people wouldn’t. A man who, by the way, everyone in Jewish society looked down on. We see Jesus repeatedly teaching that love is shown through action and that our faith is shown in what we do.
And what about Mathew chapter 25? Jesus tells the parable of “The Sheep and Goats.” He talks about sheep entering into God’s kingdom and goats being sent into eternal fire. What is it that makes the difference? What they did. Their belief in action. Jesus says:
“’For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me’” (Mat 25:35-40).
Can any of us really think that our beliefs can be separated from our actions? Not if we listen to Jesus. No. Our beliefs and our actions must be aligned. We need both orthodoxy and orthopraxy. James writes, “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds?” (Jms 2:14), and “…someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’ Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.” (Jms 2:18)
So, how’s your orthopraxy? Do you practice what you preach? Are your actions aligned with what you believe? Of course, none of us get it right all the time. We are all hypocrites to some degree. Even the Apostle Paul didn’t always do what he should do (see Rom 7) and so he said, “Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom 7:25)!
Even though we won’t always be perfect, with God’s help, our actions should line up with what we believe. Our faith shouldn’t be left just for Sundays. We need to make our faith part of every day and part of everything we do.
Thank you! I love that one word can act as a reminder to Christians that being a Christian is much more than just having faith. Orthopraxy reminds us to model, demonstrate, and walk in our faith.
Great article. I'm leading a small group study next month about the book "Do More Better" by Tim Challies. This article summarizes major themes in that book. God's truth comes from so many different directions when the heart is open to it. Thank you.
Greg Williams
www.christiansoldier21.org