“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” – James 2:17
I’ve heard this verse referred to many times in sermons, and my understanding is that if you have faith in Christ as your Saviour, your life will reflect that in what you do. Today, however, as I pondered this verse, another thought came to me.
It’s somewhat easy to serve in a church. Maybe it’s by singing in the choir or teaching a Sunday school class. Maybe it’s by volunteering to clean the church, or perhaps it’s by working in the church office. Oftentimes, I have thought of service as the giving of one’s time to the Lord in whatever area there is a need.
Today as I thought about my “works,” another facet came to mind. My faith in Christ should compel me to do a few other types of “works” that are vital to my Christian life.
- I must read my Bible daily!!
- Psalm 1:2 states, “But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”
- I must also study the Word of God!
- 2 Timothy 2:15 records, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
- I must pray!
- 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells me, “Pray without ceasing.”
- I must give thanks for all that God has done for me!
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18 states, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
- I must love the Lord with every fiber of my being!
- Matthew 22:37 records the words of Jesus. “… Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.”
While these are not the types of “work” that I usually associate with this verse, it is clear that these “works” are critical for the growth of my faith, and I should not neglect to do them.
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
(from “Trust and Obey” by John H. Sammis)
“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” – James 1:22
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Sometimes the simplest tasks are the most difficult to accomplish.