James: Wisdom From AboveSample

Here we have another example of James contrasting what a life changed by Jesus looks like with some counterfeit of it. Can your faith save you?

James describes a kind of faith that does nothing for you. It’s dead. This kind of faith might believe something is true, like there’s one God, but that’s as far as it goes. It makes no impact on the way we live. It’s like a pilot saying, ‘I know this plane works,’ but then refusing to ever fly it. Or we might believe our friend is a good cook but refuse to eat their food. The ability to recognize facts is pointless if it doesn’t affect the way we live our lives.

Abraham had a different kind of faith. He didn’t just nod his head wisely when he heard a fact. He put what was most precious to him on the line because he trusted God. Rahab risked her life because she knew she needed to align herself with God. Both lived lives that would’ve been impossible without faith. And with faith it’s impossible to live in any other way.

Having faith in God means we trust Him. And the whole point of trusting God is obeying Him. This isn’t in conflict with grace – God’s undeserved favor towards us. This kind of impossible faith only comes after grace. It’s the life that we were created for, the life Jesus secured for us in His death and resurrection, the life that the Holy Spirit empowers us to live.

Reflection: What kind of faith do you have? How does it shape your life? Remember, you can ask God for help, and He is ready to give without finding fault.