The James Study - Faith and Fitness Challengeنموونە

Faith Without Works is Dead

Many people tend to shy away from James 2 because it’s a famously controversial – and confusing – portion of scripture. Of course, we’re saved by grace, not by doing good works. But what James is getting at in these verses is that when our faith in Jesus is real, there will be evidence of it in our lives. I used to claim to have faith, but you’d never have known it, considering my habits and behavior patterns. I was involved in various church programs, sure – but I was simultaneously living in sin. I didn’t have a relationship with Jesus. Paul explains all this to the Galatians, contrasting the sinful nature with the fruit of the Holy Spirit. If you’re a Jesus follower, you’ll naturally produce this fruit, mindful that you’re in the world but not of the world. That means you live here in the world, but you’re set apart for God’s purposes. You’re not simply following your every worldly whim with no intention of honoring Him.

James also reminds us that even demons believe in God and can’t deny His mighty authority. We see the reality of this in the gospels: demons screaming in fear when confronted with the power of Jesus. The demons know scripture and fear Jesus – but they don’t love Jesus. If you truly love Jesus, you’ll want to obey His commands. So, ask yourself: Do my actions back up my faith? Do I desire obedience because I love Jesus?

In chapter 3, James gives us a great example of how our faith should inform how we live. One of the most obvious ways to show our love for God is by how we speak. For most of us, these verses are painfully challenging! Controlling the tongue can feel impossibly difficult. Perhaps, instead of being quick to listen and slow to speak, you’re in the habit of gossiping, swearing, or using angry, hurtful words. Jesus tells us plainly that, for better or worse, our speech is a heart issue. We must address the sin we’re harboring in the heart before addressing the lack of self-control in our speech.

James compares the tongue to the rudder of a ship and the bit in a horse’s mouth: small, yet extremely powerful and designed to perform crucial functions. I know my tongue is easily affected by the inputs I allow into my life – like the people I hang out with, the shows I stream, or the music I listen to. James goes so far as to explain that the same way a tiny spark can create a forest fire, so our words can cause untold destruction. The damage isn’t always outward. We can be our own worst enemies, speaking lies and mean words over ourselves, instead of listening to what God says about us.

Today, reflect on whether your lifestyle aligns with your faith, and consider what it would look like for you to tame your tongue by exercising greater self-control in this area of your life.

First the Word – now the Workout:

• 4 burpees
• 8 mountain climbers
• 12 air squats

Try four sets with a 60-second rest between each set.