A common turn of phrase is that “faith without works is dead,” it is also written in the Holy Bible. But did you also know that in Ephesians 2:8— “For by grace you have been saved through faith and not that of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
This would mean that altruistic acts alone do not make the Christian, although acts are an important part once you have that faith in The Lord. You may hear of churches that run missions to third world countries, or churches that organize food drives for the homeless, providing various resources to provide stability. While James 2:14-16 says— “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but do you not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?” If you do these things and aren’t being moved by the Holy Spirit or also doing what Jesus did, it is fruitless.
When you are led to share that extra burger (you didn’t know you would need later) with the homeless man on the corner do you also share the gospel? Do you give glory to God and share your own testimony when leading missions to restore communities and build schools? Do you invest your time and efforts to offer aid but forget the supernatural healing and renewal aspect of faith? How did that homeless man end up in his position, if he is a recovering addict, do you pray healing and deliverance? Do you hold him accountable once he sobers up and is off the streets, and teach him to repent?
There is so much more to helping others beyond filling their bellies and clothing their backs! Never forget the spiritual food and the Armor of God. Material needs can be essential for survival but are temporal, our spiritual needs are significant for living, and endure an eternity. Next time you want to pass out a water bottle with a neat verse from the Bible taped to it, invite people to your church, share your testimony, share the Gospel, and let God’s love shine through you and your actions. Stop asking “what would Jesus do” and start doing what Jesus did. Jesus cast out demons, healed the blind, raised the dead and taught the gospel.
Good Works of Faith:
- Share God’s Blessings to You. (Hebrews 13:16)
- Be a Hilarious/Cheerful Giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)
- Don’t Boast in your Acts, Boast in God Alone. (Matthew 6:2)
- Give to those that are Needy, don’t hoard. (Luke 12:33)
- Pay it Forward. (Proverbs 21:13)
- Give Humbly. (Luke 21:1-4)
- Do EVERYTHING in LOVE. (1 Corinthians 16:14)
- Love Your Neighbor. (Mark 12:31)
2 Responses
Amen! Good word for today! 🙂
Amen!