Common-Sense Christianity: A Study of Jamesਨਮੂਨਾ

It’s common sense to pursue righteousness

James asked a powerful question: “What good is it if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?” (James 2:14 ESV). His point isn’t that we earn salvation through works; it’s that true faith is always visible through action.

Saying we believe isn’t enough. Even demons believe in God’s existence (James 2:19). But saving faith transforms us. It shapes our character and moves us to act. As James wrote, “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:17 ESV).

This kind of obedient, action-oriented faith is part of what Paul called “the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12 ESV). He urged believers to pursue righteousness, not casually, but with endurance and intention. Righteousness doesn’t happen by accident. It’s something we fight for—something we chase after with everything we have, because our goal is to live a life that honors God.

James used Abraham and Rahab as examples of this kind of faith. They didn’t just believe in God; they trusted him enough to obey. And that obedience revealed the type of faith God calls righteous. Real righteousness isn’t proven by what we know but revealed by what we do in response to knowing God.

Our works don’t save us; they prove our faith is alive. If we say Jesus is Lord, let our actions reflect that truth. Let’s not just hear the word today. Let’s live it as we run hard after righteousness with faith that works.

If we run our best race, we will also fight the good fight. The trophy for completing that race is eternal.