Just as Hebrews taught us what faith is - being sure that God is who He says He is and certain that He will do what He promises to do, the book of James instructs us on what we are to do with this faith. James 2:17 states that "...faith by itself, if not accompanied by action/works, is dead/useless." In other words, if we are not feeding our faith with action, deeds and good works, than our faith will dry up and become useless. Know that we cannot earn our salvation by serving and obeying God. But such actions show that our commitment to God is real. Deeds of loving service are not a substitute for, but rather a verification of our faith in Christ.
In addition to our good works, how is our faith fed? James shows us several ways that our faith is developed and strengthened.
1) Through trials. James 1: 3 tells us - "...you know that the testing of your faith develops patience / perseverance." James doesn't say if we face trials, but when we face trials. We have to recognize that trials or testings in our life are God's way of developing our faith. We must turn hardships into times of learning. Tough times teach us perseverance!! What are you being taught today? How is your faith being fed?
2) Through temptations. Although God does not tempt us to do evil, He will allow Satan to temp us in order to refine our faith and help us grow in our dependence on Christ. We can resist temptation to sin by turning to God for strength, choosing to follow Him by faith and obey His Word. Are you struggling with a temptation today? Recognize it as another way God is trying to get your attention - and focus on Him!
3) Through taming our tongue. How many times have we praised God and shared our faith with our mouth and in the next sentence torn someone to pieces? James 3:10 reminds us - "Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing...this should not be." When we feed our faith with godly wisdom, our speech will be filled with mercy, love and consideration for others, peace, sincerity, integrity and righteousness.
Is your faith starving? Have you allowed your trials to give your faith new life? Are you continually giving in to the enemy's temptations because your faith is not strong enough to believe God can and will help you? Are the good deeds and great works you do for God overshadowed by an out of control tongue?
Feed your faith today. Don't allow it to die from lack of exercise, malnutrition and disease of the mouth.
Download this week's lesson on James.
2 comments:
We do need to be so careful of our negative words because nobody will easily recall the 100 good, positive and Christ-Like words we say, but they will never forget the one disparaging comment made.
Our Faith can be fed, every time we make a "right" decision, over a wrong one...when we trust God to help us not to give in to a temptation, or when we seek His Strength, during a trial, and we believe (have faith), that He is there, and is holding our hand,
through the duration, of that trial..We have then, fed our faith, and are more equipped, and able to help someone else,.. with more of "His Love", in our hearts.
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