Taking Action
But someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’ Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. (James 2:18)
Read more of James 2
There is a controversy that is taking place about what is more important: faith or deeds? One person may think they have it all together because their faith is as strong as a cement wall. Then you have the next person who thinks they have it all together because the things they do for others are too many to count. The author of this passage wants us to realize that faith and deeds belong together. I must live by faith daily and in that faith I take action to lead a life of service to the Lord.
“…Show me your faith without deeds…”
The controversy has come to a peak at this point in the passage. It’s time to decide what your faith means to you. Is it just another word in your Christian vocabulary or is it something you live out? God is looking for people who stand strong in their faith. I believe it’s impossible to have a strong faith in God without desiring to help those who are in need. How can I sit around and talk about faith without putting what it means into action? I can redefine the word many times over, but until I act it out, that’s all it is… just a word!
“…make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:5-8)
“…and I will show you my faith by what I do.”
Let’s be people who take Matthew 25:34-40 seriously. Let’s live out the Word of God!
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ “
Dear Father God, I pray that You will teach me how to walk out my faith. Please open my eyes to see the needs around me and help me to respond accordingly. May I always be available to feed, clothe, and attend those who need Your love! May I be Your hands extended to those hurting around me.
Taking Action,
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