Belief is Not Enough 9/24/2010

"You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone." James 2:24

Talking the talk is an easy thing to do in life. Anyone can say anything they like. Anyone can make any claim they like. In order to be taken seriously, however, action must accompany the words.

Beloved, the same is true regarding our walk with the Lord. Anyone can claim to be a Christian. They may even go so far as to show up at worship. But is this enough? Is simply saying you believe enough to give the statement validity? James said, "You believe there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that and shudder" Jas 2:19. What he implies is that belief is not righteousness in and of itself. Certainly no one would consider a demon who believes God exists to be righteous.

Belief is demonstrated by action. Faith is seen in deeds. We believe that airplanes can transport us safely around the world so we board them. We believe that our employers will pay us for our labor so we show up and work. We believe our beds will hold us so we get in them, rest and relax. If we believe that God exists and the Christ died for our sins, our deeds should demonstrate it. Broadly this can be accomplished through obedience to His will and word. Jesus said, "He that believes and is baptized shall be saved. He that does not believe will be condemned" Mark 16:16. Because we believe, we obey the command to be baptized. Conversely, there is no need to obey this command if there is no belief.

Let us not judge one another's belief, but let us be fully convinced of our own by doing the things required of us out of love for Him who made us.

Rejoicing in the Lord,

Lee