Active Obedience Demonstrates Our Faith is Genuine

Monday, September 14th, 2026

4:15 am

Good morning! Today I am in James 2:14-26. James asks us, "What good is it if we say we have faith but don't show it by our actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone?" Saying that if we see someone with our food or clothing, and we just tell them good-bye and have a good day, stay warm and eat well, but we don't give them any food or clothing, what good is that? So we can see from this example that faith by itself is not enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. He tells us that some people argue that they have faith and others have good deeds, but he asks us how we can show we have faith without good deeds? He says that he will show us his faith by his good deeds. He says that some people say they have faith because they believe there is one God. But he says even demons believe there is one God, and they tremble in terror, but they don't obey Him. He reminds them of Abraham and how his actions showed he was right with God when he offered his son Isaac on the altar. His faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete. Abraham believed in God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith. He was even called the friend of God. He tells us we are shown right with God by what we do, not by faith alone. Then he gives us another example of Rahab the prostitute. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid the messengers and sent them safely away by a different road. He tells us that just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.

James is not telling us that we are saved by our works and good deeds, but that our works and good deeds show our genuine faith. If we did not do good deeds, how would people see our faith in God? When we are obedient to God, following what His Word tells us to do, His Word changes our lives from the inside out. Transforming us into new people. True faith transforms our conduct as well as our thoughts. Transforming us into people that want to show the love of God to others. And we do that by not just telling others about God, but by helping people in their times of need. When we see a need, just like James points out someone needing food or clothing, God is bringing that person to our attention so we can help. He shows us exactly what we can do to help them. He doesn't only show us how we can help, but He provides the way for us to help. God is the one that provides all that we have and need, and He wants us to use what He has blessed us with to not just help ourselves but to help others. And that help, points others to Him. God doesn't want us to just say that we believe in Him, He wants us to put our faith into action. When we truly believe that He is in control of everything and He provides everything we have and need, the more free we are to give. Because our stuff is not truly ours to begin with. Our possessions are gifts from God, which He gives freely and generously, and we are to do the same for others. Deeds of loving service are not a substitute for our faith, but a verification of our faith in Christ. Serving and obeying God shows that our commitment to Him is real. The more time you spend with Him, the more He will show you how you can help others. Trust Him and allow Him to show you how you can live out your faith in Him.