Re:Verse reading–James 2:14-26 (day seven)
“But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?”–v 20
Hard question. Important. Requires some soul-searching. Am I willing to learn/know God’s truth? Willing to change the way I see things? Or, just looking for an opportunity to argue, determined to convince God to “see it my way”?
Sometimes, if I am honest, it’s the latter. Not really open to change, not really listening for a new perspective, not really considering a new position or direction, I want what I want. End of sentence.
Deep in the human heart is a stubborn switch that has significant power–power to allow spiritual progress, power to resist it. It is called “the will”.
“If anyone is willing (same word that James used) to do His will, he will know whether the teaching is from God.”–Jesus (John 7:17)
Stubborn pride is a locked door. Ask yourself. Am I willing?
Great topic for day 7. I often say words without concrete actions to support one’s words are empty. Words alone are empty. How one conducts his or her life tells us a great deal about one’s faith. If non-believers can produce good works for their own glory, why we, believers, cannot commit to do good works or to do God’s will for God’s glory? So the question for us would be, “Should I be acting on my will?, or Should I be acting on God’s will?”.
I know there are times and there are things we will act on our will. We will do what we want. For example, I wanted to buy a binocular for my upcoming cruise trip, I bought one. I wanted to buy a rocking chair set, I bought one. I know God will not stop me for doing anything that is not against His will for mankind. I know God’s will isn’t about us. It is about helping people. It is about love for others. It is about demonstrating, caring and concerns for others. If we have faith and believe in Jesus, we will think, act, and behave just like Jesus! It is just a common sense! We act on something if we believe in. Faith is about beliefs. Am I correct on this one?
Jesus shows us what love really means. He shows us how to love others! He gave us many examples. He gave all of us spiritual gifts so as followers of Christ, we just have to see where and how we can apply them with great results to please Him. If we have faith in Jesus, we are expected to show through our deeds. Without deeds and without good works, I am not convinced of one’s faith!
I am convinced that faith without works is dead, faith without deeds is dead. Do we act on our will or do we act on God’s will? Our personal glory or God’s glory? I pray that God will guide my actions for His glory!