James 2:14-17 “14 What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,’ and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? 17 Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.”
LOVE TRIUMPHS
Can others see your faith? I believe that is the essential question asked here by James. He is not saying you have to “do” for God. Salvation is completely God’s work. Read Ephesians 2:8-9. Remember, Scripture does not conflict or contradict itself. There is one central theme throughout.
But if we are truly surrendered to Christ, His love for us drives us to put our faith to work. We want to “do” for Him. It is not out of obligation. It is out of our love for Him. We should desire to serve Him wherever and to whomever He directs. So, is your faith so private that it is invisible? Would people know you are a believer by your actions? They should!
TEACHING MOMENT
Our children need to be taught that there is nothing they can do to earn God’s love. He doesn’t give His love based on how much we do for Him. Just like (but in a much superior way) we love our children simply because they are our children, God loves His children. He loves all His creation, even those who turn their nose up to Him. He longs for them to come to Him.
So, how can you help your children show their faith? Well, look at the passage again. Verses 15-16 give us a great example. Let your children visit a homeless shelter and take some clothing. Let them help serve a meal there. Let them give as the Lord directs them. Let them pack that shoebox for Christmas for a little boy or girl. And of course the best way for them to learn to live out their faith is to do it right beside you.
A Moment In Time 