FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS NONPRODUCTIVE

“Thus also faith by itself, it if does not have works, is dead.”—James 2:17

 

I read a cartoon in a magazine that depicted a house surrounded by flooding water and a man sitting on top of the roof.  He was praying for God to save him.  A man came by in a row boat; he told the man on the roof to jump in, but the man replied that He did not need to be rescued because God was going to rescue him.  The water kept rising until it was nearly up to the roof.  A helicopter came and lowered a basket for him to get into; however, again the man told the pilot that he did not need to be rescued because God would.  The next scene showed the man in heaven talking to God; he said, “I prayed for you to save me, why didn’t you?”  God replied, “I did; I sent a row boat and a helicopter.” 

 

Although the message in the cartoon was meant to evoke humor, it carries a powerful message, which is that faith requires action.  God has already done His part; we must do our part.  This is why we always tell people to do what they could not do before when we pray for their healing.  You will act on what you believe.  Faith with corresponding actions will always produce result.  If you are asking God for prosperity, then you must give. Someone who says that they believe God for prosperity, but do not give, is deceiving themselves.  A person who says, “I am healed,” but continues to act sick and dwell on their symptoms, will kill whatever faith they have.  Furthermore, a person who intercedes for someone and then still worries whether anything will ever happen is not acting in faith.  

 

True biblical faith must be acted upon it will always produce results.  I encourage you to act upon what you believe.  Do you believe that you are healed?  If so, then you must act like it. Do you believe that God answers prayers?  Then do not give any thought or energy to the contrary of what you have prayed.  Say what God has to say about the situation and you will be amazed at how things will begin to turn around for you.

 

Prayer—Father thank you that my faith is active and energized, and today with your help I will put actions to my faith, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.