Faith, Part 1 of 3Sample

Faith must become visible in our lives

“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?” (James 2:14)

Time and again it is emphasized that we humans cannot be saved by "works." This means that we can never live such a good life that we can earn eternal life ourselves. In theory, that would be possible if a person never did anything wrong. But there is no human being who goes through life sinless; in fact, we are already born sinful... Being saved in our own strength is therefore impossible. We are dependent on God's grace, which we can receive through faith.

Yet James also emphasizes the other side. Faith must show in our speaking and acting. Otherwise it is dead and unreal. Faith is not just a theory we agree to, but a philosophy of life that puts everything in a different light. Faith in the Lord Jesus stamps our actions every day because we want to follow His example. By faith we become more and more like Jesus. That cannot remain invisible to other people.

Take a critical look at your own life. How does your life show that you believe in the Lord God? And how do you see faith at work in the lives of others?