Faith in Action
The first part of James 2 is James’ exhortation regarding partiality and our need to guard ourselves from it. In order to rightfully exhibit the love of God for people and rightfully exhibit His value of people, WE MUST actively put others before ourselves. Not only is discrimination shown by preferring to greet and/or help those who are cleaner looking or easier to work with, it is also shown by preferring to help myself over someone else. What’s best for me? The thought “THAT’s not really in my comfort zone” - should be a non-issue!
In verse 8 “If you really fulfill the royal law according to Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” you are doing well.” The royal law is a king’s law; our king - God’s law. Verse 13 reminds us mercy triumphs over judgement. Mercy to others refrains from partiality.
There are so many good analogies for LIVING faith; ACTIVE faith; faith in action.
Titus 3:8 “The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.” This means ALL people, including the unbeliever, who is watching us all the time.
And Ephesians 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
We have opportunities to demonstrate our faith presented to us all the time. Of course, we cannot act on every single one of them, however, nor can we NOT act on any of them! So let me ask a few questions:
How do I demonstrate my love for my spouse? My family? My friends? My Lord?
What does my attitude and actions of sacrifice and giving (time or other) reveal about Jesus?
Why do I respond the way that I do?
What is my obedience fueled by? Faith? Pride? Fear?
Do I have an abundant mind set? Or a scarcity mind set? (if I give from my supply, I won’t have enough for myself)
Again, how does my lifestyle point to Jesus? How does my speech point to Jesus?
These are all actionables rooted in my faith that Jesus Christ has redeemed me from my sin nature and imparted to me His Holy Spirit in its place and I am most grateful and cannot bear to NOT work that gratefulness into doing good works and in everything I do, glorify Him.
