When we study the Bible, we must be true to what is written just as you would be true to the content of any letter you receive. We don’t read a birthday card that says, ‘I will take you to a movie’ and claim it for our own when it is addressed to Dear Dolores. It is the same with anything. We don’t read a line from a love letter out of context and assume we know what is going on, but rather need the whole context to interpret the line.
James talks about faith and deeds, and no, he is clearly not saying that deeds or works is our way to heaven; our salvation. We take this book in the context of what we know is the message of the Bible. He is making the point that it is impossible to understand who God our loving Father is, and NOT do good deeds. It is in the very nature of what being a ‘Christian’ or ‘Christ-follower’ is. I don’t claim to be a doctor and refuse to help my fellow man. I don’t claim to be a cook and refuse to go in the kitchen. In the same way, a Christian, or believer in Christ can be recognized, defined or seen by their deeds. And wouldn’t we all rather know someone that we can tell is a Christian by their love than someone who shoves the Bible down our throat but won’t give a penny to a beggar?
James addresses this in James 2:14-18: What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.
What good is it if we claim to follow Christ, but refuse to live by His principles? What good is it if our hearts are being niggled to move in someone’s life, but we self-talk ourselves out of it? If we know Christ and we are grateful for what He has done for us, our lives will show it. If we have faith, we will be known by our deeds.
While I was in Nigeria, I taught a group of about 90 women. Some of them had amazing ministries, but they didn’t even realize what they were doing was ministry. Shopping for an elderly person; buying a Christmas gift for the children of a single parent; cooking rice for prisoners; handing out muffins to the beggars on the street corners; knitting hats for newborn babies. All this showed what was true in their hearts. It was ministry flowing out of their love for God. A tree will be known by its fruit. If kindness and love and generousity is your fruit, my guess is the image of God is shining in your life. Today may the fruit from your tree be seen by all those who need to eat, and may they see the face of God when they reflect on why you do what you do.
Our song for today is Love God, Love People by Danny Gokey.