Tuesday, November 30th, 2021

We live in a time where good words seem to be more influential than good deeds, where what gets said is more celebrated than what gets done. Sadly, this earthly mentality has even leaked into the minds of Christians. We share Bible verses, quotes from pastors, and talk about what great things we learn about Jesus but then do not put them into action in our lives. Worse yet, we do not put them into action to benefit the lives of others. There are many who believe that Jesus’s only expectation is that we believe in him. We know that, yes, belief alone will get us into heaven. However, that is just a starting point. This kind of belief is akin to a swimmer who shows up to the meet but decides to just relax in the hot tub. Belief is a momentary decision that changes our eternity; but our eternity in heaven doesn’t start in that moment. We have work to do! We must believe, then follow. The Apostle James put it bluntly, saying, “But someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’ Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that – and shudder.” James harshly calls out the believers who choose not to follow, reminding them that even demons believe in God – and shudder at the thought of his power, judgment, and wrath. What sets us apart is the life we live in testimony to Jesus’ grace after the moment we first believe. Today, if you feel that you haven't been following as much as just believing in recent months or years, make a change and choose to follow Jesus where he will lead you.

“But someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’ Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that – and shudder.” – James 2: 18-19 NIV