Faith and Actions

Scripture – James 2:14-19: ¹⁴What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? ¹⁵Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. ¹⁶If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? ¹⁷In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. ¹⁸But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. ¹⁹You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Here’s another of those basic Biblical truths. Faith in Christ results in changed behavior. It’s not up to me to tell someone else what those changes should include. God works in each of us in different ways. I can, however, look at myself and measure myself against the past. How is my faith affecting my behavior? How have I changed on the outside in the past few months? If I have to look too hard to find examples, what are the implications of that?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I’ll pay attention to my actions today. I will look for ways my personal faith in Christ changes my behavior. I can already think of one clear example of a difference from just six months ago.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please continue to work within me as I walk with you. Guide my behavior today. Empower me to live in a way that demonstrates your leadership in my life.