James 2:17 says:  In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.  In other words, it is not enough to “believe.”  Yet, if I have one observation in culture today – there are many who say they believe in something, but their actions do not show it consistently. This could relate to the Christian walk and biblical lifestyles. You say you believe, but do you act like it? The same would be true for someone who says they believe in a sports team and never bought a ticket, followed a twitter release, or looked at a box score. I’ve even met folks who say they believe in a specific political candidate and agree with everything they stand for, but when it comes to voting day they seldom head for the polls.

I believe in Jesus Christ. I believe He is the sinless Son of God. I believe in His Word. I believe in His virgin birth and resurrection. I believe He is the Savior of the Word.  I believe He is the great I AM of the universe. I believe He still forgives, restores, transforms, and cleans up lives. I believe He is the head of the Church. I believe He is seated at the right hand of our Heavenly Father. I believe He’s preparing a place in heaven for all who have placed their faith in Him as their Savior and Lord. I believe in His second coming. You and I might believe the right things. Yet, that’s not the whole of the question. Do I live like I believe it?

There will be some who read this while pouring powder in their muzzle to shoot back a few pieces of argumentative artillery. Yes, believing is the key to starting a relationship with Jesus. That’s crucial. Yes, you can act like a Christian and not believe in Him personally. Some play that game. Yes, you can pretend you believe in Jesus and act like the devil. Many apparently do. No, you and I will not be judged by our deeds alone, but rather what we did with Jesus. I understand all of these rebuttals. At the same time, once a person places his or her faith in Jesus Christ as personal Savior, there should be works, deeds, and behaviors that would back up that decision. It should not be the exception for a believer in Jesus to be loving and kind and self-controlled. It should be normal for a follower of Jesus to have consistent habits of prayer, fasting, Bible study, worship, solitude, self-sacrifice, giving, and silence.

Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.  You believe that there is one God. Good!  Even the demons believe that – and shudder. (James 2:18b-19)

Tags: article, discipleship, faith, formation, Jim Dunn

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