DOA - James 2:17 One of the great tensions in the Christian walk is that of faith and works: The bible clearly teaches us that we cannot earn our standing with God with works (Eph 2:8), but at the same time, according to James 2:17, faith without works is dead:
Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. James 2:17 NKJ
I like how the New Living Translation expresses the thought:
So you see, faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. James 2:17 NLT
While this tension has caused many a biblical debate, I prefer to view these two truths not as opposing one another, but complimenting one another. In other words, good works are a sign that our faith is alive.
My brother-in-law is a paramedic, and when he arrives on the scene of an accident, his first act is to see if the victim is alive or not. How does he tell? He looks for signs of life: A pulse, breathing, responsive pupils. If he see's these signs, it's off to the emergency room they go. If there are no signs of life, lets just say there's a different destination. That person is DOA; dead on arrival.
I believe that's what James is saying about our faith; If we've truly placed our faith in Jesus Christ, then there will be visible signs that reflect the new life that we have in Christ. That's why James gave us a real-life example:
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? James 2:16
See we weren't saved ONLY to be saved, we're also saved so that we can bring light and love to a dark and dying world. We were saved so that we can reflect God's love, mercy, and care towards people who have no hope.
See, many people feel that no one cares about them, least of all God. But if we'll take a moment to show that we care, then perhaps they'll begin to see that God cares too. Our one act of caring can open the door of their heart to God, and change their life forever!
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Eph 2:10
"Lord, help me to see someone today with whom I can share love, mercy, light, and hope, and let my faith be alive to them."
Pastor Clay
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