What do you think faith is?
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Can you have faith in a person? An object? A God?
How can you tell what and who someone has faith in? (ex: where they put their trust, money, loyalty, etc.)
When we have faith in someone or something, it means very little if our actions don’t back it up. Have you heard the saying, “Actions speak louder than words”? Where we put our trust is a good indicator of where our faith is.
James 2:15-20 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.20 You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?
These verses stress the importance of our actions. How many of you say your faith is in God, but don’t put your trust in him? Are you trying to do everything on your own? What about how you treat people, are you kind and loving? Do you stand up for what is right, or crumble under pressure? Are you vindictive & hurtful? When somebody wrongs you, do you hold a grudge? These are all things to think about when we say where our faith lies. If you believe in the God of the Bible, there should be evidence- our deeds should be tangible indicators of our faith. If you trust God, maybe you could consider extending His grace. It can be scary, because we become vulnerable. But he is faithful, loving and good. Lets try to be more like Him.
-Karyn
2008/08/19