An Effective Faith

Read Proverbs 30

Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.

James 4:17

The book of James gives us a very thorough picture of faith. James writes about its true nature, “So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless” (James 2:17). And again, three verses later, “How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?” God would have us live out our Christianity in a manner that impacts every area of our being: our values, our financial decisions, how we spend our time, how we talk.

Sometimes, we may ponder, “What does God want me to do with my life?” Yet if we read the Bible, we find that God gives us many plain, unchanging commands. Love justice, seek truth, love God and our neighbor, minister to the orphan and widow in their distress, bring healing to the sick and freedom to the prisoner, give our cloak to the one who has need of it, honor God, fear God, delight in God, and many, many more. We need to pursue God in faith, and do what he commands.

A WORD FOR TODAY

Beware the sin of omission.

Today, Lord, teach me to hear your voice and to be obedient to your call. I yield myself to you. I ask that your will would be done in my life.