Displaying our faith

Displaying our faith                 

James 2:17 “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”

Extra Reading: James 2:14-26

We need to know that ‘faith’ is an action word. We should not be tempted to respond to God in a passive way. I was leading teen camps during my Bible College days. One day at one such camp, two young girls ask to carry me into the air. I argued with them that they are not strong enough to carry me up to their heads level. After much discussion, I gave in to their request. A big crowd of teens started gathering around us to see what is going to happen to me. The two girls succeeded in carrying me up. I must confess I was a bit apprehensive when they lifted me up. The crowd cheered at them for their feat. I leant something about faith that day. Faith is not giving credence to something or someone. Faith is demonstrated reliance upon something or someone. Paul commended the Romans by saying to them, ‘Your faith is spoken of all over the world’ (Romans 1:8). This means that they were practical in the application of their faith to a watching world.  We believe in Christ because He comes from God, the Father, and He is God Himself (John 16:30). Faith without works is dead (James 2:17).

Faith without works is useless. It is wasted faith. Faith is made complete by works. A man is justified by works and not by faith alone (James 2:24). One evangelist once said, “Let’s get our faith to work”. And I believed all that he said. Faith that is evidenced by works is powerful. It speaks for itself. When using faith as a noun, we are talking about what we believe. But if we are talking about faith as a verb, then it is expressed in the way we live. We demonstrate what we believe by how we live our lives. If we believe it, we will do it. If we don’t, then what we believe is just wishful thinking. People will believe and accept the Gospel that we preach when it is accompanied by works. Otherwise, they will harden their hearts and reject the message. May we be seen as people of faith, and faith with good works.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me put my faith to work, and not just rely on dry rhetoric. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Rev. Samuel N. Modise