James 2:26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

Martin Luther was so consumed by his rediscovery that we are saved by faith that he called James a “book of straw.” However, it is a very needed counterpoint in our walk of obedience to God. In Luther’s day there were some in the Church who were running it as a financial enterprise, getting funding for such projects as St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Accordingly, they were putting prices on almost everything the Church had to offer, including the most valuable, forgiveness and salvation. They were ignoring Paul’s words to Timothy, talking about people “who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.” (1 Timothy 6:5) That of course is a terrible aberration, but James’ insight is essential. That is, true faith works. In Christ it is not a conflict between faith and “works.” Words are easily spoken, as the Southern Gospel song says. (“Prayer is the Key to Heaven, but Faith Unlocks the Door.”) There is no limit to the illustrations that come to mind! The point is, genuine faith will motivate us to obedience to both the First and the Second commandments, loving God and loving our neighbor in practical ways. (Matthew 22:37-40)

It is encouraging to see examples of true faith in action, as in the response to the tornado disaster in Oklahoma. Churches are in the forefront, with even FEMA fitting in under their umbrella! However, I’m not to think that James is just talking about situations like that. I am to be faithful right where I am, putting feet to the faith God has placed in me. There is literally no limit to that, because every moment of my life is to be offered to God in obedient faith. If I believe that Jesus is the only way to the Father, and I do, (John 14:6) then I will tell others about Him. If I believe that expressing love and support to the helpless is serving Christ, and I do, (Matthew 25:40) then I will be open-handed in dealing with them. Men in particular are adept at compartmentalizing their lives, not letting (or trying not to let) one part influence another, but I must not do that. All of my life, all of my being, is as a child of God, and should reflect His character and His glory.

Father, thank You for the wholeness that comes only with You. Thank You for the peace of not putting up fronts for anyone, or having to remember what lie I told to whom. Help me be increasingly effective as Your agent, so that more and more people may be drawn into Your family through seeing Christ in me, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!