Show them Jesus...

James makes a bold statement in the middle of his letter to the church: “…faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (2:17)

These words come right after a series of probing questions a true-to-life example of faithlessness everyone in the church could relate to.

“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?” (2:14-16)

That last question’s easy enough to answer. It’s no good at all! If someone’s naked and hungry, you dress him and feed him. Even a kid knows that. Duh!

Faith without action is lifeless! No deeds. No faith.

As I read Henry Blackaby’s words in Experiencing God while I was studying for a recent small group time, I was struck by this truth: The things you do show what you really believe.

Let me share some of his quote what I read from the Experiencing God workbook.

“What you believe about God will determine what you do. When God tells you what He wants to do through you, you will face a crisis of belief. What you do next reveals what you believe.” (p. 135)

“What you do reveals what you believe about God, regardless of what you say.” (p. 146)

“When God invites you to join Him and you face a crisis of belief, what you do next reveals what you believe about God.” (p. 149)

“When you face a crisis of belief, what you do demonstrates what you believe.” (p. 150)

I couldn’t escape God’s message. Faith without action is dead! So, my friends, show your faith by what you do! What you do shows what you believe! Show Jesus’ love and patience and care for the world today! Right now!