Day 326.
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (James 2:14-17 ESV)
James helps us to know what real saving faith looks like. It shapes your life. It replaces your old values, forged by the culture, with new values, forged by the kingdom of God. Faith in Jesus does not leave you as you were before. That doesn’t just mean adding a church service to your life, but rethinking why you do what you do in every facet of life. It moves you to reassess everything you do in light of the values and purpose of the kingdom. I see way too many who make professions of faith but then go on with life as though nothing changed. They make vows in church membership but never find a place to serve or they disappear altogether. Faith and life must be connected or faith is not real. Jesus loves you just as you are but he does not leave you just as you are.
Lord, help me to remember your great commission and the impact of that upon my daily choices.
