Bible Reading: Job 29, Jam. 2:21-26
“For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” – James 2:26 (KJV)
A number of people claim to have faith but do things that do not line up with their faith. Such people cannot claim to be true disciples of Jesus Christ. Our Lord Jesus came to the world to show us the way of faith and works by dying for all sinners, though he knew no sin. His death is a great example of works. It shows that God is indeed a God of love as it is practically demonstrated by sending his only begotten son to die for the world.
These days, people read the lives of others, and not just the bible, to know what Christianity is about. Some years ago, a woman who was an elder in one of the Pentecostal churches was always talking about Jesus to another woman, who happened to be her friend. However, this elder used to buy clothes from her friend and was fond of inflating the price to her husband. Her reason was that that was the only way by which she could get money from her husband! By this practice, the elder unknowingly drove her friend farther from Jesus saying even she that was not an elder in the church would not do such a thing. By this work, the elder proved that her faith was dead. Is there anything that you are doing which negates the life of Jesus that you confess? It’s time to stop, otherwise, your faith is dead and such works will speak against your faith. Rather, you should engage in works that bring succour to the needy in our midst.
Thus, Jesus Christ stated in Matt 25:31-40, that all those who saw the hungry and fed them, gave drink to the thirsty and provided clothes for the naked shall inherit the kingdom of God. On the other hand, those who professed his name but did not do these things when they had the opportunity to do so, shall go into everlasting punishment. I pray that you will finish well. When the roll call shall be made in heaven, your name shall not be missing in Jesus name.
Action Point: Look at your Christian Faith and examine your works to ensure that it shows love to the less privileged.
Bro Biodun Oyapero