Real Faith Is More Than Just Believing

In review of James 2:19-20 I read, “You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?” (NLT)

True faith involves a commitment of my whole self to him.Just saying I believe in Jesus doesn’t mean I have faith in him. It also doesn’t mean I trust him to fulfill his promises. 

James says faith is more than just intellectual knowledge. Faith is something I do. It’s active, not passive. Real faith involves making a commitment to trust in Jesus.

This doesn’t mean I can earn my salvation. The Bible says, “For it is by grace [we] have been saved, through faith . . . not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV). What James is saying is that my belief and commitment to Jesus is reflected in the things I do. My good deeds are evidence of our real and trusting faith.

The Bible says, “Anyone who doesn't breathe is dead, and faith that doesn't do anything is just as dead!” (James 2:26 CEV). The word James uses over and over is “do.” His message is very clear: real faith shows up in my lifestyle. My faith should change me and the things I do.

There’s no better time than right now to take a stand for Jesus Christ and demonstrate my faith. As 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 says, “Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love” (NLT).

In summary, I may say I have faith, because I believe that there is one God. However that kind of faith without good deeds is useless. True faith involves a commitment of my whole self to him.Just saying I believe in Jesus doesn’t mean I have faith in him. It also doesn’t mean I trust him to fulfill his promises. Faith is more than knowledge. Faith is something I do. It’s active, not passive. Real faith involves making a commitment to trust in Jesus. My belief and commitment to Jesus is reflected in the things I do. My good deeds are evidence of our real and trusting faith. Real faith shows up in my lifestyle. My faith should change me and the things I do.

Father, I need to demonstrate my faith and trust in you with what I do and how I communicate. Today I will look to see how I can serve, support, encourage, and even show others how my faith is changing me. I also ask for wisdom and guidance on my training, career decisions, job search, my work, my leadership and my interaction with others. These things I pray in the name of your Son Jesus, Amen.