James 2: 15-17: If a brother or sister is without clothes and lacks daily food 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,” but you don’t give them what the body needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way faith, if it doesn’t have works, is dead by itself.
James is addressing believers and speaking to a familiar group. Modern-day, this translates to our churches, yours and mine. Within our church, if we do not provide tangible goods, food, and clothes to those in need, we are not acting in a way that God has designed the church. But, this is more than just the church as a whole; this is personal. We are each called to give and serve those in need, therefore putting action to our faith.
Faith in Action
Years ago, our oldest daughter, Alex, and I had the opportunity to serve on our first mission trip to the Dominican Republic. We stayed in a compound with armed guards and traveled miles by bus out to villages to serve a meal and share the gospel and provide basic needs. I saw the gospel lived out by those working in the area, as well as our team, while we were there. It was one of the most humbling experiences I have ever had.
Over time, I have heard much controversy about the statement “faith without works is dead”. A Christian is not saved by works. You do not have to do 10 good things to be saved and go to heaven. No, this is a lifestyle. My faith is living and active. This means, that as I am continuing to grow my relationship with God, my desire is to become more like Jesus, which is actively doing good!
Today, I would encourage you as you go about your day, do one extra thing to put action to your faith!
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jas 2:15–17). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
