Faith Without Works is Dead

     "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone, " James 2:17. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen," Hebrews 11:1. Faith is a wonderful thing to have, but w/out works (aka action), it is dead. You see, w/ faith, you have to implement, implement, and implement. In other words, you have to put action in. 

     Implementation is putting things in effect. We not just read the Bible. We pray, we fast, we love, we turn the other cheek. We don't just sit around. I have recently been inspired to put my faith into action. I want to be an advocate for Israel. I want to pray for her, love her, but also ensure that the world understands that I, along w/ many Christians, support her. How am I going to do this? I'm becoming more active. I attended a meeting for Standing w/ Israel, which was a little over 3 hours to drive to, but well worth it, and if the Lord wills it, I will be going to Washington, D.C., to attend another event. I also plan on taking a trip to Israel. I pray for her every night.

     Faith requires us not to just talk the talk, but also walk the walk. I have to admit, my job is very stressful, and I often get cussed out. Sometimes, it is hard to turn the other cheek, to love my enemy, bless those that curse me, do good to them that hate me, and pray for them which despitefully use me, and persecute me (Matthew 5:44). Yet, it is definitely something we are commanded to do and must do. It's not enough to just read the Word, but to implement it. 

     Don't get me wrong, actions can't buy your way into heaven. "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified," Galatians 2:16. What I am saying, is that we need to be more active and not just sitting around, preaching the Word of God, and not doing anything more. Faith requires more. We need to give God everything and not just words. 

     Loving God,
     Mary