Read It, Learn It, Live It, Share It
“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? . . . In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” – James 2:12,17 (full text v.12-26)
Rich Mullins was one of the most inspirational Christian singers to ever step on a stage. His lyrics made you stop and think about your life, your intentions, your heart and serving God. One of his songs in 1987 called “Screen Door” specifically addresses this point in James 2:17. Jesus walked amongst Pharisees, Sadducees and Scribes of the day, who all had a faith in God. Each in their own way believed in the God of Abraham, Moses and King David. They knew the prophecies of Isaiah, Daniel, Ezekiel and the others. They read the scrolls each morning and night and taught them to their children. Yet they held themselves in a position of authority over all others as teachers of the law and the judicators of forgiveness. An artificial barrier had been created between them and the population’s ability to reach God the Father.
Jesus came to free mankind from the bondage of this world, and to establish a direct connection between God and all of us. He walked amongst the rulers, leaders and teachers of that day and demonstrated that the Father was loving, merciful and compassionate about His children. He showed us all through His actions how to love one another and to serve the needs of the least of these. Faith in God requires that we trust in His word, His love and His message for us. Turning this word into action and living it out daily requires that we allow Him to work through us. God is spirit. He sent His only Son; Jesus Christ, in the flesh to demonstrate His works and actions for us. Upon His departure, He left behind the Holy Spirit to dwell within us so that we would always know His love, His peace and comfort and that we could share it with others.
Do not be misled by this world in thinking that your actions have no impact on others. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Your actions are a representation of who you are, what you stand for and the spirit that lives within you. We cannot see God the Father, but we can see glimpses of Him through His children and their works. Love others, help others and take your eyes off of yourself. In James 2:19 – we hear the word, “You believe in God the Father. Good; even the demons believe that, and shudder.” It’s one thing to say, “I believe in God.”; it’s something completely different to demonstrate that love through your actions and words. But, do not allow yourself to become boastful or haughty in your actions.
Remember, Jesus tells us in Matthew 7, “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” Actions alone will not get you to heaven. Even pagans and non-believers can be found in charity and serving others. Through Faith and Works we are able to share the love of God the Father with those we come in contact with.
ACTION: Look back at your weekend. Write down the times when you had the opportunity to help another, or to share the love of Christ and did not. Ask God to forgive you, change your attitude and to help make you stronger the next time an opportunity arises. Pray for God to give you a servant’s heart and the opportunity to share His love with others.
Jesus came to free mankind from the bondage of this world, and to establish a direct connection between God and all of us. He walked amongst the rulers, leaders and teachers of that day and demonstrated that the Father was loving, merciful and compassionate about His children. He showed us all through His actions how to love one another and to serve the needs of the least of these. Faith in God requires that we trust in His word, His love and His message for us. Turning this word into action and living it out daily requires that we allow Him to work through us. God is spirit. He sent His only Son; Jesus Christ, in the flesh to demonstrate His works and actions for us. Upon His departure, He left behind the Holy Spirit to dwell within us so that we would always know His love, His peace and comfort and that we could share it with others.
Do not be misled by this world in thinking that your actions have no impact on others. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Your actions are a representation of who you are, what you stand for and the spirit that lives within you. We cannot see God the Father, but we can see glimpses of Him through His children and their works. Love others, help others and take your eyes off of yourself. In James 2:19 – we hear the word, “You believe in God the Father. Good; even the demons believe that, and shudder.” It’s one thing to say, “I believe in God.”; it’s something completely different to demonstrate that love through your actions and words. But, do not allow yourself to become boastful or haughty in your actions.
Remember, Jesus tells us in Matthew 7, “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” Actions alone will not get you to heaven. Even pagans and non-believers can be found in charity and serving others. Through Faith and Works we are able to share the love of God the Father with those we come in contact with.
ACTION: Look back at your weekend. Write down the times when you had the opportunity to help another, or to share the love of Christ and did not. Ask God to forgive you, change your attitude and to help make you stronger the next time an opportunity arises. Pray for God to give you a servant’s heart and the opportunity to share His love with others.
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