More than Words
In today's passage, James is describing a person who says has faith, but there is nothing about this person's life that indicates it. James proceeds to illustrate the futility (a total lack of purpose or usefulness) of words without deeds in the following verses.
We are introduced to two people. One lacks daily food and clothing. The other has both, but is unwilling to share with his needy brother. When presented with an opportunity to help his poor brother, the latter is not ready to lift a finger. Instead he only professes words of generosity, saying to his poor brother, "God bless you! Keep warm and eat well!". But does nothing to make this possible. What good are such words? They are worthless! They do not change the condition of his poor brother.
This text does not only pose a challenge to Jame's audience, but it is also challenging the church today to examine the nature of the faith we are exhibiting. It is very possible for the church today to be caught up in a faith that is characterised by mere words.
True faith must always transcend into deeds because faith and good works are inseparable. In this mission month; specifically in today's devotion, let's pray that our faith shall be more than words. That the Holy Spirit will cause us to respond to the concrete struggles being faced by people in the church and community.
The devotion for today is not saying that we are saved by faith plus works. To hold such a view would be to dishonour the finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ. If we were saved by faith plus works, then there would be two saviours - Jesus and ourselves. The Bible is very clear that Christ is the one and only Saviour. What James is emphasising in our devotion for today is that we must NOT live by a faith of words but by that kind of faith which bears good works for the glory God.
| 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? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. (James2:14-17) |
Rev. Chala Habasila | Husband to Patricia | Father to Steven, David and Daniel | Serving at St. Columba's Presbyterian Church, Lusaka. Zambia.
