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

It is this section that made Martin Luther call James “a book of straw.” Luther was combatting the then-current practice of indulgences, where the Church said certain sins were excused if you paid a given amount of money. He had rediscovered the Biblical principle of “The just shall live by faith,” (Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 1:17, etc.) and so insisted on “sola fides,” faith alone. That kept him from recognizing that what James is saying here is that genuine faith displays itself, and is demonstrated by works. After all, Jesus Himself said, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46) This passage got into this series on repentance because repentance is exactly the same way. Protestations of “I’m sorry” don’t mean much if behavior doesn’t change. God sees our hearts and He knows our weaknesses, but we must never think that is an excuse not to change. As again Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” (John 14:15) That’s pretty black and white! We are indeed saved by faith and not by works, (Ephesians 2:8-9) but saving faith will always demonstrate itself in action.

I have always considered James one of my favorite books in the Bible because it is so immensely practical. I regularly confess that James 1:22 was written for me, because I have a tendency to feel like knowing something is sufficient, rather than needing to follow through in action. The devil tries to use James to make me feel guilty for not doing more, but I can say that if I didn’t believe Jesus was the only way to eternal life I wouldn’t be here as a pastor in Japan! I like Paul, too, and as he said, “It is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13) I am not faithful in myself, but He continues to work in me to put feet to my faith, so that I can walk out all that my heart knows to be true.

Father, thank You for Your grace, mercy, and faithfulness. Thank You for opening my eyes when I am trying to deceive myself, so that I can repent and follow You. Thank You for not giving up on me long ago! Thank You for Your plans for how You want me to manifest my faith for however long You intend to keep me here. May indeed Your will be done on Your schedule, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!