Words of Faith: Put faith into action to reflect Jesus

How do people who meet us every day know that we are Christians?

How do they know that we are Jesus’ followers? What difference does our faith make in our lives – are we any different than we would be if we weren’t Christians? I’ve heard it put this way. If being a Christian were illegal – as it is in some countries – would we be convicted of being a follower of Jesus? Would the actions of our lives be enough to prove our guilt?

In the letter of James, we hear, “Be doers of the word, and not merely hearers.” For centuries, Biblical scholars have contrasted St. Paul and St. James, claiming that Paul teaches that a relationship with Jesus is based on faith alone while James claims it is based on works alone. But actually when you read all their writings, they both acknowledge that both faith and actions are needed for a healthy relationship with Jesus.

But, James is persistent in reminding his listeners that without works – without actions that reflect their relationship in Jesus – faith alone is dead. Only when one’s actions reflect one’s faith is faith truly alive and well.

So what does a life look like when Christian faith is put into action? First, it means being generous. Proverb 22:9 reminds us of this. “Those who are generous are blessed, for they share their bread with the poor.” Being generous means recognizing that God has created all of us and the blessings that God has given are meant to be shared.

I have heard it said that God has given us enough for all to have enough, if only we will share. When we put our faith into action we will also have compassion for others. It means listening to one who is anxious or afraid. It means caring for one who is sick. It means helping those who are in need. Putting faith into action also means loving our neighbor as ourselves, even when our neighbor looks nothing like us, even when we live in one part of the world and our neighbor lives in another, even when we have one color of skin and our neighbor has another.

These might seem like difficult expectations. This kind of faith might require sacrifice. “Why should I give to others if my family and I need the resources first?” you might ask. These might seem like noble ideas, but some might argue that they aren’t realistic.

But we are not asked to live this kind of life through our own strength or ability. The first verse of Psalm 125 reminds us of this: “Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but stands fast forever.” When we trust in the Lord, He will be our strength. He will lead us. He will provide for us. He will open the right doors. We will not be moved by any adverse forces. This kind of trust is what faith is all about.

When we place our faith in the Lord we will be empowered to serve not though our own strength, but from the strength of God. When we live in a relationship with God, God acts through us. And we can trust that God will provide the ability to put our faith into action.

This kind of life is not optional for Christians. It is at the heart of our faith. When we serve others we serve our Lord himself. This is how he has asked us to return his love. A wonderful example of this kind of life comes from Mother Teresa. She said that when she held the sick and dying of Calcutta, she was holding Jesus himself. As she looked into the faces of those in need, the face of Jesus looked back.

When we put our faith into action, our lives will reflect the life of Jesus. This is what a relationship with Jesus is all about. It may not be easy. But we do not do it alone. If we trust him, if we place our faith in Jesus, he will be with us and he will empower us to do his work – he will make it possible for us to put our faith into action.

This story was originally published September 11, 2015 at 2:56 PM with the headline "Words of Faith: Put faith into action to reflect Jesus."