James: Model of an Authentic Christian LifeEsimerkki

Have you seen the third Indiana Jones movie? This may be a little bit of a spoiler, but Indie and his dad go to the Holy Land looking for the Grail. One thing leads to another, and the bad guy shoots Indie’s dad. The Grail can heal him, but Indie has to cross a chasm to get it. There’s no bridge, but he hears his father’s voice telling him to step out in faith. He takes that step and lo and behold, there’s a bridge camouflaged against the other rock! It was invisible to Indie until he moved.

When we’re faced with hardship or uncertainty, our instinct might be to stand still and wait. Wait for the situation to change. Wait for some clarification.

James tells us to go against that instinct and take a step instead. Faith doesn’t stand still. Faith moves.

We are saved by faith. That faith doesn’t require anything from us except to believe; God did what was necessary for our salvation when Jesus died on the cross for our sins. But if we have faith in who God is and that what he says is true, then what comes next is to move. Do you believe that God loves all people? Tell them how he has changed you. Do you believe that we are called to love people? Seek ways to serve others. Do you believe that God’s word, the Bible, is true? Join a Bible study, or start one. If you have faith, it will show up in how you live.

You have faith. What’s your next step?

Prayer: Dear God, I believe you are who you say you are and that I am saved by faith through your gift of grace. Show me what my next step should be, and help me to take that next step so that my faith is visible in what I do.