Faith is More Than Words

Chuckle: Teacher: Maria, go to the map and find North America. Maria: Here it is. Teacher: Correct. Now class, who discovered America? Class: Maria!

Good Quote: Faith is not a leap in the dark; it is a leap out of darkness into the light. -- David Reed

"Dear brothers and sisters, what's the use of saying you have faith if you don't prove it by your actions? . . . Just as the body is dead without a spirit, so faith is dead without good deeds" (James 2:14,26 NLT).

It's relatively easy, and sometimes tempting, to let our words describe us as something we're not. We can easily give lip-service to our faith while our actions show little evidence that our words are true. I don't think Satan cares very much about what we say we are, but he cares a great deal about what we really are. As long as he keeps us from being true to our professed faith, he has won a victory and damaged our Christian testimony.

James has a lot to say about real faith. Today, let's think about faith being more than words. "What good is it, my brothers, if a person claims (says he has) to have faith but has no deeds?" (vs.14 NIV). Can a faith that talks but never walks be genuine? The Bible says "No!" Many say they have faith but their lives don't show it. It's our walk, not our talk, that makes the difference. If we were arrested for being Christians, would there be enough evidence to convict us?

James uses a great illustration to make his point. "Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, 'Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." (vs.15-17 NIV). When you come to know Christ, His life should be reflected in you by the way you live.

Each of us is faced with many different opportunities to demonstrate our faith through acts of kindness and compassion. Jesus said that even a cup of cold water given in His name will be rewarded (Mark 9:41). Think about your neighbors, your family members, your fellow church members. Think of the needs they have that you could help satisfy. Some may be lonely and just need companionship. Some may need encouragement. Others may need transportation. Some may need help with home repairs or lawn care. Still others may need help with babysitting small children, etc. The list of possibilities for service is endless. But we must get outside ourselves and see these needs and be motivated by our faith and Christian love to help meet those needs.

Love, Jerry & Dotse