Visible Faith

James 2:14-17

Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? (James 2:15-16)

SALVATION COMES BY grace through faith. So does sanctification—our growth process into spiritual maturity. Scripture makes that clear, especially in Paul’s letters, which emphasize the free gift of eternal life given to all who believe. But even with that clear doctrine, questions arise. What is faith? What does it look like? Is it simply a matter of intellectual assent, or does it actually do something? Does real faith always work its way outward into our external lives? These were contentious points during the Reformation as well as before it, and have been ever since. Inward belief produces some sort of outward sign, even when that sign is merely a by-product.

James emphasizes that side of faith, probably intentionally contrasting the teaching of Paul. It isn’t that these two apostolic writers were in conflict, necessarily, but they did differ in their focus. And James’s point, just as biblical, is clear: If inward faith is genuine, it produces external results. The person who claims to have faith but experiences no practical change in lifestyle or values does not actually have faith. Faith is the key to all things in God’s Kingdom. But faith always works.

Be intentional about that as you seek to make your faith relevant to the world around you. If you really believe God cares for the poor, for example, let his care for the poor prompt your action on their behalf. If you really believe God answers prayer, pray your heart out. If you really believe God protects and provides for his people in all circumstances, refuse to let pessimistic words come out of your mouth. And if you really believe all your possessions come from God and ultimately belong to him, use them in keeping with his purposes. If your faith is invisible, it will have no influence in your life or any others. If it becomes visible, it will transform the world around you.

{Lord, let my beliefs reach into every area of life. Make them powerful, visible, and transforming. May others see into my heart because I wear it in my actions. Help me put feet and hands to my faith today. Amen.