James 2:14-17 4 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 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? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
Have you ever thought about what can happen when you truly believe in something or someone? A belief tends to mold or shape the way you conduct your life. For example, when I was younger, going to bed always frightened me. I believed that if the room was completely dark there was a chance that a monster would “get” me. As a result, I would turn on every light possible. I would try to sleep with one eye open and would literally be startled by the smallest of sounds. This went on for several years until I was old enough to “unbelieve” this contrived fear. This is a poignant example of how someone can respond in action to a belief, albeit a silly one. As I grew older and matured, then my anxiety caused by darkness at bedtime naturally declined. This led to improvement in my sleep and, in turn, my overall health and well being.
Belief in something or even someone has the power to direct thoughts, actions and behaviors if allowed. These beliefs can, in turn, have a positive or negative effect upon our lives. Whatever we choose to believe in, nothing has the power to transform like our belief in Jesus Christ. I was recently contemplating the power of belief in Jesus Christ while studying the book of James. He states that faith without works is dead. Accordingly, if someone professes belief in Jesus Christ but fails to carry out this belief in actions, then how authentic can this said faith truly be? We have all heard the saying…"You shouldn’t have to ask if someone is a Christian." You should be able to tell by their behavior and by the way they conduct their lives. Ultimately, our actions should be a reflection of our faith.
It isn’t our conduct that makes us Christians by any means, but our conduct should be the result of our relationship with Christ. When we think of our Christianity in this manner, it prompts us to constantly contemplate our relationship with God in an attempt to remain steadfast in our faith.
Think about it this way. If we have unwavering faith in God, and we truly believe in His Son, Jesus Christ, then all of the scripture lessons will play out naturally within our own lives. We worry less, or not at all, because we have faith that God is in control. We don’t submit to the world. We don’t succumb to the darkness that seems to be swirling around us. We remain strong because we believe, as scripture tells us, that all things both good and bad work together for the greater good. The power behind our belief in Jesus Christ is transformational. It is when we draw closer to God and firmly hold onto this belief that our faith is exemplified in how we conduct our lives.
Your fellow Able Mom, Donna Shaw
Heavenly Father, we are all saddened by all of the atrocities that seem to be occurring throughout the world at this time. However, our belief in you transcends this sadness. It gives us hope and peace as we know that you walk with us always, even in the darkness. May our lives serve as a reflection of your goodness for all to see. In Christ’s name. Amen.
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