How many of your friends or family would claim to be a Christian? One phrase that always irks me is " I live a good Christian life, I'd help anybody….." Many people believe they are Christians simply because they do good things, and may occasionally pray a panic prayer. Conversely, some claim to be a Christian having committed themselves to God and have faith in Him, but do not actually live out the things He has called them to do.
" What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 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? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds." James 2: 14-18
In these verses we are told to show our faith by the things we do – to live out what God has told us. How often do you ignore the opportunity to make a difference to somebody? Can you recall a time when you walked on by rather than helping somebody in need? What kind words could you have shared with somebody that would have brightened their day? Have you missed the chance to pray Gods blessing on somebody when they needed it? Who could you have offered to give a lift to recently?
There are many opportunities we have, everyday, to share God with others and to show our faith by the deeds we do. It doesn't have to be big things – just a simple offer of help, quietly doing a job unnoticed, sharing a kind word. These are the easy ways to show our faith by our deeds.
We have many larger opportunities within Rugby too that allow us to live out our faith by our deeds. Have you considered helping at Hope 4 Day Centre, Soup Kitchen, or Night Shelter, volunteering with CAP as a support worker, offering a few hours at the Church Centre, helping with the Children's or youth groups, volunteering at a charity shop? The opportunities are endless, but they all enable us to show our faith through our actions.
What can you get involved with to show your faith by your works? Challenge yourself today to act out your faith in some way through your deeds. Ask God to give you opportunities to serve both Him, and your friends and neighbours, through acting out your faith.
Corinne Mason
Read the Bible in a year: Psalm 128:1-6, Ezekiel 33:21-34:31, James 2:1-26
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