Today's devotional
The proof is in the action. Talk is often cheap, but the real measure is what gets done. The bottom line is simply this: faith works.
"faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. " (James 2:17)
Real faith takes action. Faith that does not express itself in action is stone-cold dead; non-existent. Faith, by itself, is simply some abject philosophy; devoid of true reality. Real belief always behaves in a certain way. A case study is our father in the faith, Abraham. Consider what is said about him:
"Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, 'AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS,' and he was called the friend of God." (James 2.21-23)
Faith moved this godly man to action. Unswerving faith in Yahweh God prompted the almost-unthinkable act of the sacrifice of his only son. And, because this resolute faith moved him to extraordinary action, God "credited his spiritual account" with righteousness - overlooking faults and flaws in light of this overwhelming faith.
Faith follow-through is the true determining factor in our lives. Sterile theology, in and of itself, accomplishes nothing. "You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder." (James 2.19)
The challenge before each of us is to look closely at our lives for the evidence of faith being expressed in works. What exactly am I doing in response to what I believe? Could someone look at my life and see my faith by my lifestyle and actions? Is there abundantly evident fruit, or is my faith mere idle talk? Let's not fool ourselves; faith without operational works is no more possible than life without breath in our lungs. "For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead." (James 2:26) If faith is real, it is doing something.
It is far too easy to "grade on the curve" concerning the real measure of our lives. We easily give ourselves plenty of credit for good intentions, but God weighs us by the actions that flow from the intentions.
Faith must express itself in action for it to be true faith. Where is your faith taking you today?
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
"faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. " (James 2:17)
Real faith takes action. Faith that does not express itself in action is stone-cold dead; non-existent. Faith, by itself, is simply some abject philosophy; devoid of true reality. Real belief always behaves in a certain way. A case study is our father in the faith, Abraham. Consider what is said about him:
"Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, 'AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS,' and he was called the friend of God." (James 2.21-23)
Faith moved this godly man to action. Unswerving faith in Yahweh God prompted the almost-unthinkable act of the sacrifice of his only son. And, because this resolute faith moved him to extraordinary action, God "credited his spiritual account" with righteousness - overlooking faults and flaws in light of this overwhelming faith.
Faith follow-through is the true determining factor in our lives. Sterile theology, in and of itself, accomplishes nothing. "You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder." (James 2.19)
The challenge before each of us is to look closely at our lives for the evidence of faith being expressed in works. What exactly am I doing in response to what I believe? Could someone look at my life and see my faith by my lifestyle and actions? Is there abundantly evident fruit, or is my faith mere idle talk? Let's not fool ourselves; faith without operational works is no more possible than life without breath in our lungs. "For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead." (James 2:26) If faith is real, it is doing something.
It is far too easy to "grade on the curve" concerning the real measure of our lives. We easily give ourselves plenty of credit for good intentions, but God weighs us by the actions that flow from the intentions.
Faith must express itself in action for it to be true faith. Where is your faith taking you today?
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
posted by steve @ 8:54 AM
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