REAL FAITH WORKS

Have you ever wondered if your faith is real? Sometimes, we treat our relationship with God like a checklist – attend church, pray multiple times a day, but the Apostle Paul reminds us to examine our lives to determine the authenticity of our faith (2 Corinthians 13:5). In the book of James, we learn that real faith is seen in action! Faith is alive when it leads us to live a life that loves, serves, and obeys God.

ACTION NOT JUST WORDS

Talk is easy, but James reminds us that real faith is revealed through the way we live. For example, when we see someone in need, how do we respond? Prayer is powerful, but our words can be empty when we know we have the capacity to help. God’s greatest commandment is to love others, and the true test of our Christianity is putting that love into action just as Jesus did. While our actions or “good works” don’t save us, the absence of them reveals a faith that is dead (James 2:14).

SURRENDERS NOT JUST KNOWS

Real faith isn’t just knowing about God; it’s also surrendering to God. Faith isn’t just about growing in knowledge, it also means applying that knowledge through a daily surrender to Christ. James emphasizes that knowledge alone is not enough. Without action, we are no different from demons who know about God but refuse to follow Him (James 2:19-20). Genuine faith is seen by how we surrender to Jesus in keeping His commands. If we claim otherwise, we are liars (1 John 2:4), and our faith is worthless (Titus 1:16).

OBEYS NOT JUST BELIEVES

Real faith doesn’t stop at our belief but matures through our obedience. For example, Abraham wasn’t made righteous by his works; it was by grace that he trusted and obeyed God (Romans 4:4-5). Because of his faith and willingness to obey God’s instruction, Abraham was declared righteous. Real faith is not about perfection, but about progressive growth through daily obedience (James 2:24). In our own spiritual journeys, may we grow in intimacy with God, trusting in His character and promises to fuel our daily surrender and obedience to His word.