Faith as a Verb

I am working on “feeling better.” I did receive a call from my doctor this morning about some medication that I could take to address my symptoms. This morning I met with a candidate for the State House and enjoyed getting better acquainted and sharing my perspective. I am ready to submit the edited version of my book to the publishers. The finished product is to be ready for display at two book conventions, one in May and one in June. I am eager to see the cover design.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.”  James 2:26 HCSB

James in his writing about “faith and works” has drawn the analysis of many commentators. It is not as some would fear that James is advocating “works” a means for salvation. It appears, I believe clearly that just saying, “I have faith” is not enough to demonstrate true faith or that you belong to Christ.

 Faith and works are not mutually exclusive. James said, “I will show you my faith by my works.” (James 1:8 HCSB) He goes on and says, “You believe that God is one; you do well. The demons also believe—and they shudder.” (James 2:19 HCSB)

There are many that I have met over the years who will profess that they, “believe in God.” But their belief has not resulted in them asking for forgiveness of sin and becoming a follower of Christ. James focuses on the fact that faith is a verb, there is action tied to it.

Consider those in the Bible. Abraham believed God and he went on a journey. The blind man, had faith in Jesus power to heal, so he cried out. The man with the demon possessed son believed Jesus could deliver, so he brought his son to Jesus. We see in example, after example that those who had faith in Jesus, took action based on their faith. As Jesus saw their actions, He recognized that they were motivated by faith.

While James says, You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. (James 2:24 HCSB) I believe he is really saying, “your works, the fruit of your life, will reveal your justification by faith.” Faith results in life change, which is evident to all. Hebrews 11, talks about those of “great faith.” We see the consistent accounts of actions motivated by faith and the results. We read, “by faith they….conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions,  quenched the raging of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, gained strength after being weak, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead—they were raised to life again….”  (Heb. 11:33-35 HCSB)

Because of faith, we pray and believe the Lord will answer. Because of faith, we seek to obey through the power of the Holy Spirit. Because of faith, we go into all the world. Because of faith, we endure and persevere.

Faith is more than what you “believe.” Faith is related to what you do. Paul said, “…The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. (Galatians 5:6 NIV) Let faith be seen in how you live your life.