“What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone?” – James 2:14 (NLT)
Some people think that faith in God is all we need to get through life. They believe that once they have deep and fervent trust in God, all is well and life is set. Though these have some elements of truth, our life is more than just our inward faith. In fact, our inward faith should be magnified by the life we live.
Faith starts within us, with Jesus as the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Now, it is our duty to align our actions with our faith. The Scripture does ask: “What good is it…if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions?”
Faith in action, for example, is feeding or clothing a brother or sister who has no food or clothes (James 2:15-16). You see, friends, our faith should be expressed in caring and compassionate deeds toward others.
“Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?” states James 2:21 (NLT). Abraham’s faith and action worked together, and that was what made Abraham’s faith complete.
“Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road.” (James 2:25, NLT).
Brothers and sisters, we can say we have faith because we believe there is one God, but remember that even demons believe this and tremble in terror. We must be different. If we say we have faith, our actions must work together with our faith to produce good; otherwise, our faith is useless.
Actions make our faith complete. Faith in action is the kind of faith that can save us. Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I praise You and thank You because Your Word has brought light and direction. Help me to put my faith into action, for Your glory and honour, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Read: James 2:1; 1 John 3:18
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 121; Hebrews 9:16-28; Ezekiel 17; Ezekiel 18