“Show Me Your Faith!”
One weekend a few months ago I was accused of being an antinomian. The very next day I was accused of being a legalist. You might think I’d feel good about that since being in the middle of this controversy would feel like safe ground. However, I don’t believe that the truth lies in the middle.
James says, “Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works” (James 2:18, ESV). Some have said that James comes close to slipping into a works-righteousness gospel. This of course is not true. James is inspired by the same Holy Spirit who inspired Paul when he wrote, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Eph. 2:8, ESV). We are saved only by grace, and this grace is appropriated only by faith and not by any acts of merit we perform. It is the perfect work of Christ that makes me clean in God’s sight (Rom. 10:8).
What is James’ message, then, when he says, “I will show you my faith by my works”? We miss the point when we think that faith is a matter of the mind alone. It is a matter of the heart (Rom. 10:10). The heart is the premier biblical designation for the center of the human personality—where our physical, emotional, spiritual, cognitive, and aesthetic aspects come together. Therefore, the reality of our faith is expressed not only in what we say, but also in how we feel, what we do, how we think, and of course, how we worship. This truth is anchored in the fact that redemption is the mighty work of God to reverse the awful effects of the Fall. True faith will impact all aspects of our heart and being. Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others, so they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16, ESV). Paul tells Titus that there are some who declare faith but they deny Christ by their works (Titus 1:16).
We should ask ourselves what kind of faith our actions illustrate. What would those closest to us say? What would you ask the Holy Spirit to help you change in order to exhibit a deeper faith in Christ? Examine your heart, your thoughts, your feelings, and yes, your actions. How can this help grow your faith?
GET INVOLVED
Light Shines in the Darkness in Ukraine
Churches and believers in Ukraine and in neighboring countries have been able to show extraordinary hospitality amid the darkness of war.
SEE MOREFleeing Ukraine in Photos
MTW Ukraine missionary Bob Burnham snapped photos during his exodus from Odesa at the outbreak of the war, documenting his journey.
SEE MOREVision Trips: Confirming Your Call to Missions (VIDEO)
For Ryan and Katie, going on a vision trip provided helpful insight as they considered whether God was calling them to serve overseas.
SEE MOREPray for our single missionaries serving internationally in the midst of their unique struggles.
Pray for missionaries to remain faithful in the mundane and not get caught up in striving to perform for the praise of others.
Pray for missionaries who are doing valuable work yet have trouble raising support because their work or field is deemed less exciting or less important than other mission work by some in the church.
Pray for missionaries raising support and for potential donors to grasp the eternal importance of supporting missions.
Pray for missionaries who are experiencing homesickness on the field.
Please pray for God’s protection over new missionaries and our MTW family as we engage in God’s kingdom work.
Pray for current missionaries, future missionaries, sending churches, and donors to be willing to ask the question, "How could God use me?"
Pray for missionaries on the field who struggle with loneliness.
Give thanks for and pray for the Krakow crisis team, the distribution of aid, and the shelter ministry as the team cares for displaced Ukrainians.
Pray for families in the Lviv, Ukraine, and Krakow, Poland shelters and for those caring for the displaced.
SUBSCRIBE TO MTW ONLINE
Stories from the field straight to your inbox.
1600 North Brown Rd
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
United States
1-678-823-0004
[email protected]
Donor-Advised Fund Portal
Circle Portal