Day 350

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James Introduction

The apostle James saw the danger of concluding from salvation by grace that "as long as I have faith, it doesn't matter how I act." He responds that a faith which produces no change is really no faith at all. He offers many tests for genuine faith: it endures trials . . . obeys the Word . . . harbors no prejudice . . . controls the tongue . . . produces separation from the world . . . provides us with the ability to resist the devil and humbly draw near to God. And, finally, faith waits patiently, without complaining, for the coming of the Lord.

Scripture

December 15—James: Faith That Works

Observation

Faith without works isn't really faith. It is dead, and a dead faith is worse than no faith at all. Faith must work; it must produce; it must be visible. Verbal faith is not enough; mental faith is insufficient. Faith must move into action. Throughout his epistle to Jewish believers, James integrates true faith and everyday practical experience by stressing that true faith "works," because it produces doers of the Word.

Application

Suppose you were given this rather curious assignment. A human body is stretched out before you—motionless, speechless. Your job: to determine if it is alive or dead. How would you solve the riddle?

One Good way might be to check for breathing. While it is possible for a person to hold his breath for a time, sooner or later—if there is life in the body—it will breathe.

In the spiritual life, the same is true. New life demonstrates itself through spiritual "breathing." And the breath of the Christian is good works. "Just as the body is dead when there is no spirit [literally, breath] in it, so faith is dead if it is not the kind that results in good deeds" (2:26).

Take three deep breaths. Now map out a plan for taking a spiritual breath today! Write in your notes the names of two people you will see today, and a "breath of fresh air" you can provide them with: an unexpected kindness, a word of encouragement, a genuine compliment. It might just make them curious enough to ask, "What's gotten into you?"

Prayer

Father God, we know that we can only learn to pray well by studying your Word and keeping it in our heart. By keeping your Word deep in our heart, our faith is fortified to do good works—doers of your Word. We want to always obey your Word and fulfill the great duty we have of being your praying servant for your glory. We pray for you to help us with our journey in spreading the Good News of our Redeemer who came into the world to save mankind from their sins so that they will become believers to receive the gift of eternity.  You are indeed worthy of our praise, hallelujah! In Jesus' name we pray! Amen! 







© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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