The Good Fight of Faith
James 2:15 (NKJV) If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
James 2:17 (Amplified) So also faith, if it does not have works (deeds and actions of obedience to back it up), by itself is destitute of power (inoperative, dead).
On October 28, after a long wait, I received some good news regarding a major transaction for our ministry. In the midst of my thanksgiving to God, I reflected on the concerns I had about getting the deal done. All those concerns suddenly appeared to be unfounded. However, it just seemed that way.
The truth is: The change in the economic environment since October 2008 required a level of faith that not only believed, but that exercised "deeds and actions of obedience to back it up." I also thank God for His mercy!
We often use the word "faith" by itself. We say, "I have faith." In reality, faith is never alone. "Faith" is shorthand for something like, "Faith in God, according to His scriptural promises, with corresponding action." Just as the text indicates that faith alone would not benefit a person in need, faith in all areas should result in "deeds and actions of obedience." I see three keys to genuine faith:
- First: Our faith is in God, not in ourselves.
- Second: Our faith is based on biblical truth. What we need and want is consistent with God's will, God's word and God's plan.
- Third: Our faith leads to actions that correspond to what is believed. Faith is no leap in the dark. Real faith (or "Faith in God, according to His scriptural promises, with corresponding action.") looks like a plan.
To be clear: We don't invent actions to make it look like we have faith. The actions flow out of genuine faith and obedience to God.
The concerns I had about the transaction motivated us to take better corresponding actions in relation to our faith in God in the matter. It isn't always about, "Devil get behind me!" It is sometimes about, "Get your behind moving!"
Remember these words, "Fight the good fight of faith." (1 Timothy 6:12) A "good fight" is one in which we enter the arena prepared, take some hits, dish out more hits, and continue fighting based on the strength that God supplies.
The good fight ends with victory!
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