What is the benefit, my fellow believers, if someone claims to have faith but has no [good] works [as evidence]? Can that [kind of] faith save him? [No, a mere claim of faith is not sufficient—genuine faith produces good works.] James 2: 14
I was reminded on Sunday in our “For Your Soul” Worship Service, to be mindful of what my works say about my faith. I was forced to take an in-depth look at the fruit in which I am producing, and to ask myself “is my fruit reflective of my relationship with God”? Does the end result of my works demonstrate the faith in which I speak, or am I a walking contradiction of my faith? Does my tree bear good fruit, or is my faith actually dead? Will there be a reward, profit, or treasures awaiting me in heaven? See, the scripture also tell us: 12 Speak and act [consistently] as people who are going to be judged by the law of liberty [that moral law that frees obedient Christians from the bondage of sin]. (James 2: 12) So, today can we stand in agreement that we will work according to our faith and not waiver? And that we will be the consistent light in the midst of the darkness. I know you are probably wondering what does this mean, and how will I know that I haven’t missed the mark? While I can provide you with a analogy such asm “works are to faith what the body is to the spirit”. The body displays the life of the Spirit, whereas work displays faith. The only way that we can display that we are alive is with our body (movement, pulse, etc.). The only way that we can display that we have faith is thru our works. Let’s be faith in action!
A Word of Prayer
Heaven Father, Guide us daily with Your Holy Spirt, so that the works of our hands and the mediation of our mouth will be found pleasing in Your sight. We know that we examined by our works and not by faith alone. Help us to do the work that will not dishonor Your name in any way, or cause anyone to stumble. In no way do we want to blaspheme Your precious name, or discredit Your holy word. We ask that You will continue to guide us in our walk of faith with You in Your Son Jesus’s name Amen.
Contributed by: Sharessa Bass