“Faith is not merely a belief in God’s existence but a deep trust that transforms your life.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – September 16, 2024
Just as the body is dead when there is no spirit in it, so faith is dead if it is not the kind that results in good deeds. James 2:26, TLB
If I say I believe a certain Christian Creed, and yet my behavior doesn’t align with my beliefs, then according to God’s Word, I have a dead faith. Good deeds are the good fruit of a faith that is alive. Even so, I must pause and check to confirm my desired motive is love, lest my good works are worthless, as defined by Paul in the first three verses of 1 Corinthians 13. The Lord frowns on someone who professes a faith that bears the fruit of bad behavior, but He beams with joy for His children who name the name of Jesus, whose life looks similar to Jesus in their words, actions, and attitudes. We are saved by grace through faith, not works—but if we are saved, we will have good works. James maintains that it is a living faith when it is alive and active, like a body with a spirit. If the body of our faith seems dead, perhaps we pray for a resurrection!
Dietrich Bonhoeffer famously commented on James 2:26 as a call out of cheap grace, the idea that a person can say they are a follower of Jesus Christ without being transformed by Christ! “Only he who believes is obedient; only he who is obedient believes.” In Bonhoeffer’s words, obedience is the fruit of an authentic faith. Not only his words but the words of our Savior Jesus, who spoke clearly when He taught, “If you love me, you will obey my commands” John 14:15. John Wesley, a noted pioneer of the faith and known for practically living out Christianity admonished, “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” Wow, I think that covers almost every opportunity in life to live out our faith! Real faith does real good.
Faith is not merely a belief in God’s existence but a deep trust that transforms your life. True faith naturally produces good deeds, reflecting Christ’s love for others. It’s not that works save you—only faith in Christ does that—but good deeds are the evidence of a living and active faith. When you genuinely believe in Christ, your life changes, and you become compelled to serve, love, and give. Faith that results in good deeds is a sign of spiritual health. It shows that Christ’s love is not just something you hold privately but something you live out daily in service to others and obedience to God. The right doctrine, resulting in the right actions being done the right way, points people to God. “That they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” Matthew 5:16. Being a bright light for the Lord reflects the light of the Lord’s love for His glory!
Authentic faith naturally results in good deeds that reflect the love of Christ. One practical way to live out your faith is by serving others—whether volunteering at a local shelter, helping a neighbor in need, or simply offering a listening ear to someone hurting. Another way is through generosity, giving both financially and with time and expertise. Acts of kindness, such as visiting the sick, encouraging someone through a text or note, or praying for others, are powerful demonstrations of faith. By actively loving, serving, and giving, you can show the world the tangible evidence of your living faith. Come alive for Christ to serve others in Jesus’ name!
Prayer
Dear Lord, help my faith to be more than just words. Let it be alive and active, expressed through good deeds that reflect Your love. Guide me to serve others with a willing heart, showing the world the power of genuine faith. May my actions bring glory to Your name. Amen.
Application
Over the next 30 days, consider saying out loud the name of your server at a restaurant, asking about his or her story, and leaving a generous tip.
Related Reading
Galatians 5:6; Ephesians 2:10; Titus 3:8; 1 John 3:18
Worship Resource
Cory Asbury feat. Lori McKenna: The Promise is The Same
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