Faith and actions are intricately connected. In the Book of James, it says that if you don’t understand the connection, not only could you live a flat-lined, faithless life, you could be jeopardizing your eternity. Too many Christ-followers believe their faith is strong. They think they are mature and they say all the right things, but if action doesn’t accompany their profession of faith, it is useless. Paul, in the Book of Ephesians, states that we are made by God to do good works. So, some people are prideful of their good works and consider it their ticket into Heaven. Although it may seem confusing, both authors agree that faith alone won’t cut it and works alone won’t either. We are saved by grace through faith and that inspires us to do good works. Faith and works do not function in isolation from each other. If you truly have faith, you will want to do the good works that God has planned for you. 

Scriptures – Js 2:14; Eph 2:8-10; Js 2:15-20, 22, 24, 26; 2 Co 13:5

Verse – What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? (Js 2:14) In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. (Js 2:17)

Thought – When Abraham was called by God to move to a land that God would show him, he moved, without a map or any details. His actions displayed his faith. God promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations and Abraham believed. Although he grew impatient and tried to accelerate God’s timetable, finally at age 99, he was told by God that his wife of 90 would give birth to the promised child. Abraham did not doubt. When God told Abraham to take that child to Mt. Moriah and sacrifice him, Abraham did as he was told and trusted God for the outcome. God tested Abraham’s faith, and he was found worthy. James 2:22 says: You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. Likewise, Rahab was a prostitute who demonstrated her faith by hiding the Israelite spies who were planning to conquer Jericho. Her faith and actions allowed her family and household to be spared from destruction when Jericho fell to Joshua and his soldiers. Throughout the Bible we read about the faith and action of men and women of God. Some were great heroes and some were unlikely candidates, but all demonstrated their faith by their actions.

Questions – Test yourself on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being “seldom” and 10 being “always.”

1. Do you have a strong desire to grow spiritually? Do you read your Bible? Do you spend time with God daily?
2. Do you seize the opportunity to share your faith with other?
3. Do you lead a God-honoring life? Are you obedient? Do you approach every area of your life as worship?
4. Are you using your God-given gifts for the kingdom of God? Are you serving on a ministry team?
5. Are you in worship regularly? Are you connecting and in fellowship with other believers?
6. Have you bowed a knee to Jesus Christ? Have you accepted Him as your Savior and Lord?

Response – Pray and ask God to help you align your professed faith with the works that he has planned for you. Assess the actions that your faith compels you toward. Read your Bible, share with fellow Christians in worship and Bible study, strive to increase your faith and ask God help you grow so that you will exhibit faith in action.

Prayer – Dear Lord, allow my faith to be evident by what I say and by what I do. Please help me to be a witness for your kingdom by demonstrating your love to those around me and to the world that is watching. Fill me with your power and presence and may I hear your voice and always respond to what you would have me do. In Jesus Name I pray, amen.