Absorbing God’s Word
“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?” James 2:14
Applying God’s Word
This writing by James has been a hotly debated scripture for years. I don’t think that was his intent.
James is directing this question to each reader personally. What good is it, Jack, if you claim to have faith but have no deeds? Can such faith save you?” His question challenges me to look inside at the deeper parts of my selfishness and pride.
Before coming to a strong belief in God, I did many wonderful works, but most of them were wrapped in self-centeredness. Yes, I was doing good works, but my motivation for doing them was self-serving.
I don’t feel compelled to compete with the faith or works of a Mother Teresa or Billy Graham. I do sense, though, that God has empowered me to live out my faith with more humility and less selfishness.
Accounting of God’s Word
What is James saying to each of us personally in James 2:14?