In review of James 2:18 it says, “Now someone may argue, ‘Some people have faith; others have good deeds.’ But I say, ‘How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.’” (NLT)
Deeds of loving service are not a substitute for, but rather a verification of, my faith in Christ. My good deeds can never earn me salvation. True faith always results in a changed life and good deeds. True faith involves a commitment of my whole self to God.
Faith is more than just a conversation, an idea to be discussed or a theology to be debated. Faith is so much more than that. James teaches me that real faith transforms lives.
James 2:18 says, “Now someone may argue, ‘Some people have faith; others have good deeds.’ But I say, ‘How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds’” (NLT). James describes the person who thinks faith can be separated from actions, how believing in God’s Word and good deeds aren’t connected.
However, James also says he can’t see my faith if I don't show it with my good deeds.
His life has been changed by his faith, so James says he can prove his faith by pointing to the way he serves God and the way he serves others.
One way to explain this is to consider love. Love isn’t visible unless you are able to see it in action. In the same way, the only way you know if someone has real faith is by looking at how they live.
James is essentially saying, "If you claim to be a Christian, then I have the right to ask you to prove it through your actions."
The point is, someone as big as God can’t possibly come into your life without changing you visibly. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (NLT).
In summary, some people have faith; others have good deeds. But how can I show my faith if I don’t have good deeds? I need to show my faith by my good deeds. Deeds of loving service are not a substitute for, but rather a verification of, my faith in Christ. True faith always results in a changed life and good deeds. True faith involves a commitment of my whole self to God. Faith is more than just a conversation, an idea to be discussed or a theology to be debated. Real faith transforms lives. No one can see my faith if I don't show it with my good deeds. My life should be changed by my faith. Prove my faith by showing the way I serve God and others. Love isn’t visible unless it can be seen in action.
Father I need to remember that I should not be bottled up inside me. I have faith, and need to show it in my actions for and towards others. This morning Father I pray for the Holy Spirit to remind me of my faith in action. Allow it to help shape my thoughts and my service to others. I ask you for wisdom and guidance today for my work, my leadership and my interaction with others. I pray these things through your Son Jesus name, Amen.
0 comments:
Post a Comment