Daily Scripture Threshing for Tuesday, July 23, 2024
Today’s Text: James 2:14-26
Key Verse: James 2:26 (ESV): "For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead."
The Book of James is a letter written by James, the brother of Jesus, to early Christian communities to address the issue of faith and its relationship to actions. His goal was to emphasize that genuine faith must necessarily produce tangible results. Having watched Jesus from a close family experience, this apostle argues that claiming to have faith in such Savior, without demonstrating it through our own deeds, is meaningless. He uses the examples of Abraham and Rahab to illustrate how their faith was demonstrated through their actions, and how every believer's faith must be accompanied by actions to be considered alive and genuine.
Our Lord Jesus Christ went about doing good. We too must put our faith into action through good works and deeds. Having faith is a good thing, but not enough in itself. Have you asked yourself how the world may know whose disciple we truly are? Is it not when our faith in Him is accompanied by tangible actions that demonstrate our commitment and love for the Lord and others? Unfortunately, most Christians are at a loss on Paul's emphasis on "justification by faith" (Romans 3:28, Galatians 2:16) in relation to this. But these are not contradictory in any way. Instead, they are complementary. Paul focuses on initial salvation through faith, while James highlights the ongoing demonstration of faith through works.
Our actions reveal the authenticity of our faith. If we claim to follow God but don't demonstrate love, compassion, and kindness, our faith is questionable. Genuine faith should lead us to serve others. It produces spiritual fruit, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). No growing believer will stay static or complacent without seeking some forms of expression that will bless others. Otherwise, their life will be stagnant and will be devoid of spiritual growth and maturity. Does your daily life reflect your faith? Are there areas where you need to demonstrate your faith more actively? Do you serve others from obligation or genuine love? Are you one of those who think that your faith is solely about personal salvation rather than about demonstrating God's love to others?
Action Steps: 1.) Look for opportunities to serve others in your community. 2.) Engage in spiritual practices like prayer, fasting, and Bible study to deepen your faith. 3.) Share your faith with others through words and actions. 4.) Support causes that align with your values and demonstrate your faith in action. 5.) Regularly reflect on your actions and adjust your path as needed to ensure alignment with your faith.
Quote for the Day: "Faith is not a spectator; it's a participator. It can't sit on the sidelines and grow. It gets you in the game and move you to action." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to put my faith into action through tangible works and deeds. Give me opportunities to serve others and demonstrate Your love. Strengthen my faith and guide me towards spiritual growth and maturity. May my actions reflect Your character and bring glory to Your name — in Jesus's most glorious name. Amen.
With all my love and prayers,
Rev Simon Wale Olatunji,
Ph.D.YourDarling Bishop (DaBishop)
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