Word@Work James20 - James 2:14-17
Published: Mon, 03/09/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
FAITH AT WORK
James 2:14-17 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. (NIV)
Many people claim to have faith, but how do we know if it is real? True faith in Jesus Christ brings salvation (cf Acts 16:31) from sin's domination and from hell itself. But simply claiming to have faith can be a social convenience or a self delusion, if there is no relationship with Jesus Christ. The difference between the two is not easy to spot at a glance, but eventually the lifestyle reveals the heart. Of course, no Christian is perfect and we are all learning how to trust Jesus so that our life will conform to His, but the 'Jesus lifestyle test' will help us to check our progress.
Looking after the family should be a human instinct. Caring for the needs of others in the Christian family is a mark of godliness. Although some people exploit their relationships for self gain (even demanding money or goods as if it is their right to do so), those who are looking to the Lord simply pray and wait, and trust Him to provide. He uses His children to supply the needs of their brothers and sisters: but first they have to notice the need. Seeing and sympathising should be the start of a practical partnership, not the end. Praying God's blessing is good, but if we are not willing to be part of the answer to our own prayers - what sort of a relationship do we have with the Lord?
In church we can look and sound spiritual, but it is not until we notice our fellow believers outside of the church context, that our faith is seen for what it is (cf Gal 6:10). God often provides these opportunities for faith-validation in the world of work. There we may find new Christians who struggle to know how to please Jesus, and mature believers who are struggling under many burdens. They may be from a different town, church or ethnic background; but we are all one in Christ Jesus (Gal 3:28). Although it is wise not to be gullible about those who might exploit circumstances to their own advantage, we must not be indifferent to genuine needs that we see every day, at work. So today, look out for a brother or sister in need.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank you for having brought me into Your family, and for the other Christians who have helped me to grow in Christ and who have helped me practically. As I see other believers, help me to feel compassion for their needs, to pray for them and to be willing to serve them for Your sake. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Many people claim to have faith, but how do we know if it is real? True faith in Jesus Christ brings salvation (cf Acts 16:31) from sin's domination and from hell itself. But simply claiming to have faith can be a social convenience or a self delusion, if there is no relationship with Jesus Christ. The difference between the two is not easy to spot at a glance, but eventually the lifestyle reveals the heart. Of course, no Christian is perfect and we are all learning how to trust Jesus so that our life will conform to His, but the 'Jesus lifestyle test' will help us to check our progress.
Looking after the family should be a human instinct. Caring for the needs of others in the Christian family is a mark of godliness. Although some people exploit their relationships for self gain (even demanding money or goods as if it is their right to do so), those who are looking to the Lord simply pray and wait, and trust Him to provide. He uses His children to supply the needs of their brothers and sisters: but first they have to notice the need. Seeing and sympathising should be the start of a practical partnership, not the end. Praying God's blessing is good, but if we are not willing to be part of the answer to our own prayers - what sort of a relationship do we have with the Lord?
In church we can look and sound spiritual, but it is not until we notice our fellow believers outside of the church context, that our faith is seen for what it is (cf Gal 6:10). God often provides these opportunities for faith-validation in the world of work. There we may find new Christians who struggle to know how to please Jesus, and mature believers who are struggling under many burdens. They may be from a different town, church or ethnic background; but we are all one in Christ Jesus (Gal 3:28). Although it is wise not to be gullible about those who might exploit circumstances to their own advantage, we must not be indifferent to genuine needs that we see every day, at work. So today, look out for a brother or sister in need.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank you for having brought me into Your family, and for the other Christians who have helped me to grow in Christ and who have helped me practically. As I see other believers, help me to feel compassion for their needs, to pray for them and to be willing to serve them for Your sake. Amen.
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