Saving Faith

This week, we explore what it means to be a disciple of Christ, and the challenges this can pose. Yesterday, we explored how we are called and choose to obey by faith. Today, we delve deeper and explore how faith alone does not make us a true disciple of Jesus.
Let’s start with a prayer:

Heavenly Father, I pray that Your words move and convict me, allowing me to grow deeper in faith, and more importantly, as a better disciple of Your way. I'm thankful that You are a loving God, full of grace as I grow. Amen.
 
James 2:14-17 (NLT)  
14 What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? 15 Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, 16 and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?

17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.


How fitting is this confrontation, especially in today's society? We all exchange simple pleasantries with one another, such as saying, "Hi, how are you?" as we are quickly passing someone we know. How often are we expecting a real response? Similarly, how many of us feel comfortable offering those real responses? Think of a time when you were experiencing a big emotion and you engaged in this simple small talk. Now, take a few minutes to replay that same conversation, but this time, expound on how you are really feeling.

So often we minimize our emotions, victories, and challenges to prevent burdening others. Some of us have those faces that others trust and will tell their life stories to in a grocery checkout, and as one of those faces, I'll admit there have been times when I'm thinking to myself, "I don't know you, why are you telling me all this? I just want to get home." I selfishly focus on myself, which is not what a good disciple of Christ should do. Instead of quickly trying to dismiss their story, I should have offered a full ear and empathy. Even if there weren't tangible items I could have offered, I could have prayed for them rather than simply saying, "I'm sorry to hear, I hope it gets better." I have faith in God, but as James says, "unless it is produces good deeds, it is dead and useless."  

We can go to church, read our Bibles, sing worship songs, preach about how we should all be kind to others, and be "Christians," but we have to put the principles of Christianity into practice to be a disciple. There's an age-old adage: "Actions speak louder than words." Keep this in the back of your mind as a reminder as you navigate your life. Reflect on a recent encounter. How could you have initiated an action that could have produced a good deed?

After taking some time to reflect, ask God for guidance and strength as you try to integrate actions into your daily life. Below are a couple prompts to help you get started.

Heavenly Father, help me live every day Your way.
Father, please provide strength to change my habits...


I pray that you hear God's guidance, and experience a better way of discipleship as you navigate daily encounters.