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Thoughts on Today’s Verse…
By this definition, I fear that many people claiming to be believers are spiritual corpses. For our faith to be genuine, James says it must express itself in good deeds. Jesus said something similar in his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7:21). Faith not only moves mountains but must also move believers to act in ways that honor God and bless others. Faith also becomes a true believer’s way of demonstrating thankfulness to God for his amazing grace.
My Prayer…
Holy and Faithful Father, please forgive me for the times I’ve been lazy in my spiritual walk when my faith didn’t prompt me to do good deeds. Help me see the many opportunities for service you give to me each day and empower me to act on those opportunities in ways that bless others and honor you. In Jesus’ holy name, I pray. Amen.
Bible References
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
James 2:26
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
Every time I go to a funeral this verse comes to mind. As I look upon the person who has passed away, it is quite clear that all life is gone from their body. No longer can this person interact with others, their spirit has departed.
So it is with a person who claims Christ as Lord, yet there is no evidence of faith in their lives. Their deeds show no evidence of life in Christ. This may include actions such as constant worrying, being unloving towards others, scheming for self-gain…in short living a self-centered existence. Their life is lived in disobedience to God and His Word with no thought of honoring God or following His will for their lives.
James is not referring here to those who know Christ and commit sins, we know from other verses in God’s Word that even after salvation we will still sin (1 John 1:9). What James is writing about here is those whose lives are lived in sin, there is little or no concern for the things of God in their daily lives. This is evidence that salvation has not occurred.
When a person has truly received Christ as Lord and Savior, a change takes place in their hearts and lives.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)
Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
God instructs us to be a light for Him in this dark world of sin that we live in. The way this happens is to live lives that are centered on Christ and faith in Him alone, and to act as He would act.
Matthew 5:15-16 (NLT)
No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead a lamp is placed high on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Father God, thank You for sending Jesus to this world to die for my sins. Help me to live an active faith, a faith that is so clearly in You that there can be no question when people observe me that I trust in You alone! I love You so Abba Father and look forward to all that You have for me to do for You in this life. I give You all praise, honor, and glory this day, Amen!