James 2:14-18

You can claim to be able to shoot a basketball like Steph Curry. You might add a line to your bio that indicates you are a phenomenal baker. You could say that you can write a best-selling novel. The reality is that, even IF we believe you, these declarations hold no weight until the actions support the claim.

The propensity to say one thing but live out another can be so irritating to us when we see it in other people. It can be harder to see in the mirror. The truth is that this has also been an obstacle to faith in those who aren’t yet following Jesus. When someone encounters a person who claims to be a Christian but their life doesn’t reflect Christ, it can be confusing.

James makes it clear that actions follow sincere faith. Check this out:

¹⁴ What 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 a 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.

James 2:14-18 NLT

The beautiful thing is that when someone’s faith shows up in how they live and love it is one of the greatest catalysts to belief in other people. Someone who has faith in Jesus and allows that faith to impact how they show up in this world will have an impact! On the other side of faith with deeds are hungry people being fed, those who need clothes being clothed, the lonely finding friendship, and so on!

“Dear God, Let my faith always lead to action. May my actions reflect you and your love. Amen”

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