Have you ever heard someone say, “Seeing is believing?” It used to be a mark of what was real, but now, in our computer age and with AI, it is hard to tell whether something is real or computer-generated. In the arena of faith, we find that many people claim to have faith in God, but we have a hard time believing them. Many use AI to post on social media content that reflects a relationship with God. It sounds good and looks good, so they post, but never pursue the actions they portray. In the book of James, he teaches us about a faith that is seen. If I were to ask you to show me your faith, what evidence do you have to convince me?
In James chapter 2, James addresses the topic of faith and works. In verse 14, he asks what profit is there in a person saying they have faith, but there is no evidence to back it up. He goes on to give us examples of how our talk does not match our walk. In the following verses he speaks of a person who is destitute without proper clothing and food, note that he is speaking of a brother or sister in Christ, that has needs that we can help meet. His point is that we need to put our faith into action.
James 2:14-17 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”
What does faith in action look like? In verse 18, faith takes action. It moves, you can see the results, and it proves that we are following the pattern Jesus set for us. When He saw two blind men in Matthew 20:29-34, they were asking Jesus for mercy. He stops and asks them what they want Him to do. They ask Him to open their eyes and allow them to see. Jesus gives us the example of how we should react to those in need. In verse 34, He had compassion on them and met their need. While we cannot offer to heal someone, we can show the love of Jesus and pray for them. We too are to have compassion on others in need.
Matthew 20:29-34 “And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David. And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David. And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you? They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened. So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.”
We also show our faith by obeying the commands God set from the beginning of time. In John 14:15, we find one of the simplest verses in the Bible. This verse gives a simple command that covers all others. “If you love me, keep my commandments.” Here we see again that our faith takes action. What we believe shows in what we do. While prayer is the greatest thing you can do for a person, James says in verse 18, we will show our faith by our works. He continues this thought and finalizes it with verse 20. Faith without works is dead!
James 2:18-20 “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?”
This passage makes it very clear that our faith is more than words, feelings or knowledge. Do not misunderstand these verses. We are not saved by our works. Ephesians 2:8-9 teaches us that our salvation is by God’s grace and our faith in Him. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” However, if we are truly saved, we will want to obey God and show who He is by our actions. When people ask me about good works and salvation, I like to put it this way: I do not work for my salvation; I work from my salvation. When you realize what God has done to allow you the opportunity to be saved, you will have a desire to serve others. Life will not be about you; it will be about pleasing God.
Think about your life today. What actions can you take to show others that your faith is in God?
