James: Advice for the Christian LifeSample

Talking and Walking

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? (v. 14)

Talk is cheap.” “That’s easier said than done.” “Put up or shut up.” These are all various ways of stating what most of us know about life. A person can talk all they want, but at some point, we all have to act on what we’ve been saying.

In Matthew 21, Jesus teaches about two brothers, both told by their father to go out and work in the vineyard. One brother said he would go but didn’t. The other said he wouldn’t go but did. Neither brother spoke truthfully, but one brother matched his actions to his father's will. What we say is important, but what we do is the proof. James goes as far as to say that even demons can talk the right talk (v. 19).

When my wife was diagnosed with cancer, it was a very difficult time. But looking back, I can see God strengthening our faith as we trusted him. It was as if James was sitting beside me, saying, “Well, as a pastor, you’ve preached about having faith enough times. Let’s see how you are at actually having that faith. How will you let that faith work out in this situation?”

God enabled us to walk the difficult walk of faith instead of simply talking about it. And that has made the difference.

As you pray, ask God to show you ways to walk out your faith.