God Smiles When I Obey

In summary of James 2:24 it says, “You see, then, that it is by our actions that we are put right with God, and not by our faith alone.”

Bottom Line:

Our actions in obedience make us right with God, not just faith.

What this means to me:

The proof is in the doing.  If I speak one way but act a different way I would be considered a hypocrite.  It is by my actions taken in faith that pleases God, it even makes him smile.  Just having faith only does no good for me.  It requires obedience.  Obedience on my part means doing whatever God asks without reservation or hesitation. I can't procrastinate and say, "I'll pray about it." I need to do what God asks without delay. As a parent I know that delayed obedience is really disobedience. Often I try to offer God partial obedience picking and choosing the commands I’ll obey. Its as if I make a list of the commands I like and obey, while ignoring the ones I think are difficult or against my selfish desires. Partial obedience is disobedience!  Wholehearted obedience on my part it to be done joyfully and with enthusiasm. The Bible says, "Obey him gladly." (Psalm 100:2 LB) This is the attitude of David: "Just tell me what to do and I will do it, Lord. As long as I live I'll wholeheartedly obey." (Psalm 119:33 LB)  James, in speaking to Christians, said, "We please God by what we do and not only by what we believe." (James 2:24 CEV) God's Word is clear that I can't earn my salvation. It comes only by grace, not by my effort. As a child of God I can bring pleasure to my heavenly Father through my obedience, and make him smile!