Surely, most everyone who's ever attended church has heard a preacher say, "Faith without works is dead," only to hear echoes in the background chanting, "Uh-huh."
He, then, proceeds with, "Show me your faith without your works and I'll show you your faith by my works, " quoting James 2:18... which gets the Amen Corner going, "Amen! Right on! Hallelujah! Preach it brother!"
Many sit there (feeling so superior), thinking they work in the church all the time, they've just been patted on the back, and that this sermon is for someone else. Yet, I tend to wonder if anyone in the congregation understood its meaning.
Until we trust God enough to take blind steps of faith, we haven't exercised faith at all. But, instead of taking those steps, when the miracles don't happen, we blame God by saying He's changed.
Our works don't prove our faith. Our works of faith prove our faith, "Uh-huh! Amen! Right on! Hallelujah! Preach it brother!"
When God speaks to you, try taking spiritual risks. Otherwise, you may never know what you are missing.
© by Joyce C. Lock
http://my.homewithgod.com/blessingsandlessons/
This writing may be used in its entirety, with credits in tact,
for non-profit ministering purposes.
About the Author
In addition to being a published author and poet, Joyce C. Lock created the religion column, "Christianity Made Simple" for Peru Daily Tribune, continues to write inspirational articles for area newspapers, and shares further in online and e-mail ministries.