I’M SAVED, NOW WHAT? (part-23)

I’M SAVE, NOW WHAT?

LIVING FAITH
As James continues his thoughts, we see that he doesn’t overlook the importance
of true faith. He considered faith as a crucial part of receiving salvation. He was
concerned that some claimed to have faith, but it was not reflected in their lives.
As a result, the authenticity of their faith was in question. If their faith was not
genuine, then it was not alive; it was dead due to the lack of evidence of its existence.
    In the same way, faith by itself,
    if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
    (James 2:17)

Sadly there are many who attend church on a regular basis, participate in bible
study classes, and are involved in various ‘religious’ activities, but could still
be unsaved. We can attain all the knowledge we want, but if we never put it
into practice, what good is it? As time passes, we can even forget how to do
what we have learned. This is also true regarding our faith.

If our faith never sees any action, then what good is it? More importantly, is
it genuine? Ask yourself this question, “How much have my attitudes and
actions changed since I was saved?” We aren’t talking about ‘incidents of
change’, but a complete change that is reflected in our daily lives and activities.

Instead of thinking how we may have handled a situation really well, we should
be considering whether or not we have become a new person. Do we have a new
awareness and concern for others? Can we remain calm regarding things that used
to make us angry? Do we focus on how our actions relate to eternity, or do we still
selfishly want everything our own way?

The scriptures tell us that as believers, we should have the ‘fruits of the Spirit’
which include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control. These are outward characteristics that others
can see which reflect our inner faith.

What do others see when they look at you? Are the ‘spiritual fruits’ obvious,
or do they see someone who is selfish, self-centered, rude, angry, intolerant,
mean spirited, harsh, without joy or a discourager?

When answering these questions, don’t think in terms of the extremes, but think
of the subtle evidences of things contrary to the fruit of the Spirit.
    How do you react to others whenever you are down, stressed, ill, or in a hurry?
    In God’s house of worship – would others call you territorial?
        In other words, do you always sit in the same place
        and expect others to leave that area open for you?
    Whenever someone has taken your seat, do you graciously move to another
    seat, or do you tell them they are in your seat and ask them to move?
        This may seem like a little thing, but in the eyes of others
        it can be perceived as a huge reflection of a selfish heart.

James gives us another example which emphasizes his thoughts. He tells us
what someone might say in rebuttal to his point regarding faith and deeds
    But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”
    Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show
    you my faith by my deeds. (James 2:18)

The ancient copies of the Bible did not have quotation marks, so translators
were unsure where the quotation marks should appear. Regardless of how
we read the verse, James’ point is – the reality of our faith is shown through
our actions.

In James’ example, the person speaking appears to be a legalist. As a legalist
he is trying to make the point that faith and deeds are of equal value, which is
to imply that either one can lead to salvation. In his response to this type of
thinking, James links the two together. He emphasizes that true faith will be
shown through our actions.

If you noticed, he challenges the other person to show his faith. If all you have
is words, then how can anyone know that your actions are motivated by faith?
The only faith they are aware of is what you tell them. According to James,
deeds are evidence of a true faith, but are not a path to salvation.

There are deeds without faith and deeds that are a by-product
of faith – so how does one know the difference?

If the deeds are without faith, then they will follow the guidelines defined
by man. More than likely they will include some amount of selfishness.
They may look great on the surface, but could have hidden agendas that
benefit the one performing the deeds. It may be something they do to feed
their own ego or self-esteem. Sure, they do good deeds, but their goal is to
receive the praises from others.

If the deeds are a result of faith, then they will follow the guidelines
outlined by the scriptures. Faith deeds will reflect some of the fruits
of the Spirit. Consider faith as a type of pollinator that fertilizes the
fruits of the Spirit. These fruits appear through the deeds of a believer.
Deeds without faith do not have this ‘pollinator’ and therefore will not
produce any outward fruit as confirmation of an inner faith.