How Faith Works

That famous "faith chapter," Hebrews 11, lists those who through faith accomplished great things.  Their lives were described as a great cloud of witnesses in the light of how their faith worked in and through them. Because of these stories of faith, we are encouraged by the Hebrew writer to set aside those sins which make us fall, and run with determination the race of life.

It is no wonder when we turn a few more pages in our Bible, away from Hebrews 11, we come to the book of James, which is filled with practical instructions on how we can be more successful in maintaining our faith, exercising our faith, and accomplishing victories by our faith.  Most of us would do well to plan on regular readings of the book of James. 

There are people all around who realize their Christian lives seem to be lacking. Perhaps they attend church and Bible classes, they might even spend weekends at spiritual growth seminars, or maybe even devote special times to each day in study of the Scriptures. However, they realize there is still something missing.

James addresses the solution to that dilemma when he introduces the subject of faith once more. His words to Christians are quite plain. "You need to be doers of the word and not hearers only." The New Living Translation says it like this, "It is a message to obey, not just listen to."

James says it's like a person who looks in a mirror but does nothing to improve his appearance. Then he tells us if we keep looking into God's laws, the perfect law of freedom, and do what it says, we will be eternally blessed. 

Down in chapter 2, James is talking about faith again and asks the question, "What is the use of saying we have faith if we do not prove it by our actions?"   If we know about God, our minds will be filled with knowledge of him.  If we really know God, that knowledge of him and his ways will be made known through the things we say and do. 

Perhaps those who feel as though something is missing, can find that missing element in going beyond knowing about God, and actually living out God's eternal plan for their lives. It will make a difference in your relationships, your work, your families, and most important, in your heart. 

"Faith that doesn't show itself by good deeds is no faith at all -- it is dead and useless." James 2:17

Lord, we thank you for your faithfulness to us, and may we become a people of faith who demonstrate our love and obedience through lives that are forever changed by your grace. Amen.

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