Daily Devotional for Friday, March 8

Examples of Only Having Head Faith

“But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” James 2:20.

Two brothers visited a friend’s new lake house. The boat dock had an upper level, and immediately, one boy wanted to be the first to jump off the top level. The boys climbed up, the excitement building, but seeing the distance to the water, the now not-so-eager boy backed up and chanted for his brother to go first instead. His brother gave a whoop and plunged in. Once he reappeared on the surface, the other brother jumped in, too, and they spent the rest of the afternoon jumping off the top deck.

Some talk a big game but never jump in. They need others to set an example. Some jump in just on a word.

James addressed faith and works in James 2. If faith is all talk with no action backing it, “what doth it profit” (verse 14)? Actionless faith does not prove anything or make our faith look appealing—like something worth having. Imagine owning a restored 1966 candy apple red Ford Mustang, 289 V8 engine with dual point ignition and a Holley 4-barrel carburetor, but it sits in the garage under a cover and never hits the streets or goes on display. Ownership alone is missing the fun if you never put it in gear and drive it.

Having faith in Jesus is action-packed, not actionless. We put our faith into action by jumping in, helping the poor, evangelizing the lost and comforting the hurting. If we believe in Jesus but do nothing, the poor are left wanting, the lost are still bound for hell, and the hurting are alone in their pain. Our faith is expressed in action. Active faith is doubly beneficial. As believers, our faith-backed activity drives us closer to our Savior. The more we serve, the more we love. It also benefits those watching us. Quiet, still faith is unobservable. Active faith spurs others to join in.

THOUGHT
Am I putting my faith into action so others can follow my example?

Kelli Reynolds