Word@Work James21 - James 2:18-19
Published: Tue, 03/10/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
DYNAMIC FAITH
James 2:18-19 But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that--and shudder. (NIV)
Faith is not just an intellectual concept or an emotional experience. It is a conviction that we can trust God's word about things we cannot see, and therefore live our physical lives in obedience to Him: it is a decision of the will that results in confident action. Although some may suggest that there are two sorts of Christian - the holy thinkers and the practical helpers - it should not be the case. Those who are truly dedicated to holiness of mind, cannot ignore the practical demands to serve the living God. And those who serve with endless patience and self sacrifice need the motivation that they find in the life and teaching of Jesus; so that they desire to do the things that please Him.
It is common for people to say that they believe in God. James says, very provocatively, that even the demons believe in God! Satan knows that he is already doomed, and that the remaining days of his reign of terror are numbered by God (cf Rev 12:12). If the evil spirits are in awe of God's power, there surely cannot be any sort of tepid belief system for human beings. True faith must result in a conviction of heart, and a determination of will, to obey God's word in a practical way.
A Christian life that just revolves around sung worship, teaching and prayers is defective without living a Jesus-lifestyle of compassionate, sacrificial action towards others. So, where better than the workplace to demonstrate your faith? It may not start with preaching, scripture posters or apologetic debates over coffee; but it should be 'going the extra mile' with those who insult you, comforting the despised, encouraging the disabled and praying for your enemies. A willingness to stoop below your 'rights', is good evidence that you really do follow Jesus; and it will also open people's ears to hear the explanation of why you live that kind of life.
Prayer: Father God. I do believe in You and I am grateful for all that Jesus has done to save me. Please help me to act in such a way that all those around me at work may understand what a good God you are, through observing my compassionate obedience, as well as my stand for truth. For Jesus' sake. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Faith is not just an intellectual concept or an emotional experience. It is a conviction that we can trust God's word about things we cannot see, and therefore live our physical lives in obedience to Him: it is a decision of the will that results in confident action. Although some may suggest that there are two sorts of Christian - the holy thinkers and the practical helpers - it should not be the case. Those who are truly dedicated to holiness of mind, cannot ignore the practical demands to serve the living God. And those who serve with endless patience and self sacrifice need the motivation that they find in the life and teaching of Jesus; so that they desire to do the things that please Him.
It is common for people to say that they believe in God. James says, very provocatively, that even the demons believe in God! Satan knows that he is already doomed, and that the remaining days of his reign of terror are numbered by God (cf Rev 12:12). If the evil spirits are in awe of God's power, there surely cannot be any sort of tepid belief system for human beings. True faith must result in a conviction of heart, and a determination of will, to obey God's word in a practical way.
A Christian life that just revolves around sung worship, teaching and prayers is defective without living a Jesus-lifestyle of compassionate, sacrificial action towards others. So, where better than the workplace to demonstrate your faith? It may not start with preaching, scripture posters or apologetic debates over coffee; but it should be 'going the extra mile' with those who insult you, comforting the despised, encouraging the disabled and praying for your enemies. A willingness to stoop below your 'rights', is good evidence that you really do follow Jesus; and it will also open people's ears to hear the explanation of why you live that kind of life.
Prayer: Father God. I do believe in You and I am grateful for all that Jesus has done to save me. Please help me to act in such a way that all those around me at work may understand what a good God you are, through observing my compassionate obedience, as well as my stand for truth. For Jesus' sake. Amen.
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