See No EvilSample

Two words that are commonly talked about in the church: · Belief. This is all about what you put your faith and trust in based on what you know. · Obedience. This is what you do based on that belief. I used to think that a Christian should focus on one or the other. Kind of like kayaking across the lake. You paddle on the right side for a little while, then you paddle on the left. Then I read this verse written by James, who was the brother of Jesus: Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead (James 2:17b NIV). Most scholars believe that this has nothing to do with salvation. After all, we can’t be good enough to save ourselves. It’s not that we’re saved BY our actions. We’re saved FOR action. If you have faith without any action that reflects that faith, you’re not doing anything to make your life (or anyone else’s) better. This verse made me realize that belief and obedience are more like a rowboat. If you watch a college rowing team, they’re pulling both paddles at the same time. The paddles work in unison! And that’s really what James is saying. ·  Your belief and your obedience go together. They reflect each other, inform each other, and build up each other. ·  You don’t DO in order to BELIEVE. You DO and BELIEVE at the same time. They’re both a growing and learning process. ·  ACTION without FAITH means your beliefs are misguided. ·  If your FAITH hasn’t made its way into your ACTION, then your faith hasn’t compelled you to move. This seems overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! It’s just one row at a time. Think of your belief and your obedience. Or, as James calls it, your faith and your action. Which one needs more work right now? What’s one step you can take in that area?