So I was reading James 2 today. For everyone more familiar with the Bible, you probably knew that by the title.
I don’t know how many times I have read this, but it hits me hard EVERY TIME.
First Just read this:
“14What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18 But someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’ Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that and shudder. 20 You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? 21 Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered Isaac on the alter? 22You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,’ and he was called God’s friend. 24 You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.”
James 2:14-24
Okay so I know that was pretty long, but seriously awesome.
I was thinking and journaling about this passage today and I just needed to share it.
What is the point of having a relationship with Jesus if you are not going to let him change your life. What is the point if you are going to do nothing about telling people what he did for you? Whats the point if you are going to do nothing about loving his people? Whats the point if you are not going to be in fellowship with other believers so you can be encouraged and challenged and seek council? What is the point if you are not going learn about the God you believe in by reading his word? What is the point? Is this not supposedly the most joyful thing in your life? If the way we live our life and use our time does not reflect what is supposed to be most important, there is something wrong.
In verse 19 it says EVEN DEMONS know God exists and shudder. Demons do not do anything for the Lord, but they still believe in who he is.
Then what makes us different from Demons? God loves us. Jesus has created the opportunity to have a relationship with an all-powerful all-loving God.
In Ephesians 4:20-24 it says “20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 When you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
We are meant to be changed. We take off our old selves that are full of corruption and put on our new selves made in God’s image. It is a choice we make to not dwell in our old selves. We have to make the choice to let Christ mold our hearts to cast off our desires and to make our desires God’s desires.
If we are doing nothing, and reject all the resources that God has given us so we can be molded and changed; what would that look like?
There would be little joy. There would be little hope. We would not be in community. We would not be loving and encouraging the people around us. There would be no growth or closeness to God.
We cannot claim to know our God without acting on it. in James verse 22-23 it says:
22You see that his (Abraham’s) faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,’ and he was called God’s friend.
Faith without deed is dead.
It is true that “If you declare with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” Romans 10:9-10
TRUTH deeds are not required to be saved. But true salvation will change you. Your understanding of what Jesus did for you on the cross will start to change your heart. It is not right away and will not just happen at the snap of your fingers. It is a slow and refining process that is meant to create permanent change. There needs to be a dedication to be molded and changed. The deeds produced our faith will show people the validity of the Gospel and how it changes people from who they are in the world to who Christ sees them, which are his children.
Thanks for hanging with me guys. That was just something I felt needed to be shared. Thanks for reading! Continued prayer for preparation for the race is appreciated!
