-JAMES 2:10-26
A
n unsparing holiness preacher concerning whom little is known
of his domestic life lived down town in a Council flat. He told his
staff and congregation never to visit him at home without an
appointment. An usher living close by frequently flouted this rule
preferring to come to the pastor’s house to submit reports without prior
notice.
The pastor, desiring to know the reason, asked the young man:
“Did you realize you are disobedient by coming to my house without me
inviting you?”
The
usher answered: “I am sorry, but I did it that I might, by some chance,
come to discover how you react to the provocations of belligerent
neighbours, the disturbing noises of infant wards and the mischief of
domestic staff in your home.
This I hoped, would help me beyond lessons
from your sermons.” Our profession may be great, but our conduct and
attitude both in good and bad times are the real proofs of our hearts
and the evidence of our faith.
In our text, the writer places high premium on faith evidenced by works.
The faith that shows no corresponding positive traits is dead, and to
say the least, worthless. True faith in the Lord Jesus Christ works out
positive changes in the believer. If these desirable changes are not in
our lives, it is doubtful whether we have been united with Christ.
Works of faith are the fruits of our Christian life made possible
because of our living union with Christ. Those who are destitute of them
have never known the Saviour including others who made only superficial
commitment to follow Him.
We cannot produce these fruits by our own efforts outside of Christ.
Even though we try to do what is good
and right, staying close to Jesus and being obedient to His word is the
only way to live a fruitful Christian life.
We must determine to quit
superficial Christianity and show evidence of our walk with God by
bearing fruits of the Spirit.
Thought for the day: A tree is known not by the leaves but by the fruits
Bible Reading in one Year: NUMBERS 33 - 34
Prayer: “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone” (James 2:17).
Via: DCLM Daily Manna
No comments:
Post a Comment