Signs of Life

Day 2

“The world around us can’t see our inner faith, but it can see our good works that flow from our faith.”

The life verse for today is James 2.17:  “Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.”

I often hear people exclaim loudly that “you are working for your faith” whenever the letter of James is brought up.  I’ve never quite understood that.  Anytime someone says “show me your faith without works” others get all worked up and make accusations of misleading newly saved Christians.

I don’t think it is misleading, I think it is leading them towards a deeper relationship with their Lord.  Just like any child, we are not to live our life on milk only, we need to be weaned and seek sustenance in the meat of God’s word.

And that’s what this devotional is all about; and it’s about a balanced theology.

Dr. Jeremiah says: “If faith doesn’t express itself in compassion, love, kindness, generosity, helpfulness, mercy, and good deeds…it’s not real faith at all.”  I agree with him.  It’s not that I feel I HAVE to behave this way; it is a natural WANT of me to behave this way.  These desires and attributes are a RESULT of my faith, not a means to my faith. 

In today’s devotional, he also provided some examples of how our faith works.  He states:  “A faith that works:

• Enables us to have a positive attitude in troubled times. (1.2)
• Inspires us to resist temptation. (1.12)
• Makes us good listeners. (1.19)
• Takes care of orphans and widows. (1.27)
• Gives honor to the poor. (2.5-6)
• Provides food and clothing for the needy. (2.15-16)
• Controls and restrains the tongue. (3.1-12)
• Doesn’t speak evil of others. (4.11)
• Doesn’t grumble about others. (5.9)
• Shows concern for the sick. (5.14)
• Prays fervently. (5.17)”

Throughout history, Christians who were living out their faith this way made huge changes in the world.

Something in today’s devotion stood out to me.  As Dr. Jeremiah was talking about how Christians throughout history affected our world, he provided this “satirical piece that brought this truth home to me…”

“I was hungry, and your formed a humanities club and discussed my hunger.  I was imprisoned, and you crept off quietly to your chapel in the cellar and prayed for my release.  I was naked, and in your mind you debated the morality of my appearance.  I was sick, and you knelt and thanked God for your health.  I was homeless, and you preached to me the spiritual shelter of the love of God.  I was lonely and you left me alone to pray for me.  You seem so holy, so close to God, but I’m still very hungry and lonely and cold.”

In Dr. Jeremiah’s own words…”That’s not biblical faith.”  and “Real faith lends a helping hand gladly, freely, lovingly, and in the name of Christ.  Real faith is a balanced faith: it is a faith that works. “

This is getting quite convicting and I am only on day 2!  But it feels good, because I know that it is clarifying for me something I already felt deep in my spirit.  When my eyes were opened to righteousness, I knew the Lord was taking me down the path He had planned for me all along, and it is very freeing to follow that path as He lays it out for me without allowing myself to be distracted.

Today’s Life Sign:  My faith is expressed through works.

Today’s Life Verse: James 2.17

Life in Action: What am I doing for others that clearly reveals the presence of God in my life.