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25th October 2024
FridayReflection
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'Sarah J. Hauser shares'
'writer, speaker, wife, mother of boy-girl twins'
"True Faith Does Something - James 2:14-26"
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This is a meaty passage of Scripture, one that's given Christians some trouble.
In these verses, James clearly argues that true faith results in us doing something.
But does our faith really require works?
For the Jewish people, providing and caring for the poor was fundamental for living out the command to love God and love others.
Jesus speaks about the final judgment. He says:
For I was hungry and you gave me food.
"Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me"
(Matthew 25:34-40).
There were those who didn't feed, clothe, and show compassion to the "least of these."
Jesus isn't saying that our acts toward the poor and needy are what save us.
But if our hearts have truly been transformed, we will demonstrate that by being compassionate, welcoming, loving, and generous to others - especially the "least of these."
All through Scripture, God demonstrates his heart for the needy.
He rejects empty religious rituals that are all about show.
What really demonstrates our faith is how we love God and love our neighbour.
Loving God and our neighbour looks like taking care of others, serving, giving, helping. It looks like doing something.
The demons don't do that.
They may know there's only one God.
But they don't put their faith into action.
For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.
James 2:21-26
This section can be confusing, and honestly, it's confused me quite a bit until I dug into the background of the text a little more.
If this whole thing still makes your head spin, you're not alone.
My head is spinning right now as I write.
But I think it's especially helpful to understand the root of the problems that both Paul and James were trying to address.
We're not justified by our religious rituals like circumcision or even agreeing with the statement that the LORD is One.
We have 'right standing' before God (as Paul says) by faith in Christ's life, death, and resurrection.
Abraham and Rahab are proclaimed just based on what they did.
But the faith was there already, and it was demonstrated by the way they lived and the choices they made.
Paul clearly doesn't think we should just agree with his theological points and leave it at that.
If we have real faith, if we believe the theology we say we do, then we will put it into practice.
Jesus often condemned the religious leaders who said they believed God, but their lives didn't show it.
"Our faith must actually move our hands, feet, minds, and bodies to demonstrate the character and kingdom of God.
We serve the poor, we fight oppression, we feed the hungry, we invite people in our homes, we encourage one another with words, we love our neighbours.
Jesus goes toe to toe with the religious leaders, those who knew the Law and supposedly followed Yahweh.
But so often, they're the ones he called out for their lack of true faith.
This is what James is getting at.
Our faith must actually move our hands, feet, minds, and bodies to demonstrate the character and kingdom of God.
Let's not be known for mere mental assent like the demons or many of the Pharisees.
Let's not be known for only impeccable theology but fail to love our neighbour.
Let's be known as people who believe God, love him, and relentlessly love our neighbour.
That is true faith.
Reflect
How can you demonstrate your faith this week in the way you love the poor?
What is your reaction when you read about how even the demons "believe" in one God?
This week, what does faith expressing itself in obedience look like in your life?
Maybe it looks like taking bold, life-changing moves like Abraham and Rahab.
Maybe it looks like one small, faithful step in the right direction.
Maybe it's a little bit of both.
But how can you put your faith into action this week?
><(((°>
This is an edited version.
The full article and Bible references are avaiable on request
'I'm Sarah'
writer, speaker, wife to Colson, and mother of boy-girl twins, two more boys, and a very loud rescue dog.
Our house is chaotic, our floors littered with LEGOs, and I cannot seem to keep the kitchen counter free from the endless piles of paper.
(Please tell me I'm not the only one.)
I used to blog primarily about food, sharing and photographing recipes as a side hobby while working in the nonprofit world for a hunger relief organization.
At my husband's encouragement, I dove into what Scripture says about food, beauty, art, and enjoyment.
Sure enough, the Bible had more than a few things to say, and studying those subjects reignited in me a love for God's Word.
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