I was recently asked a question from one of my friends. The questions was “If someone says they are a Christian, but you can’t tell by their actions or the way they live, are they really Christians?”
This is a tough subject, but the book (or letter) of James has the answer to this question. James says in chapter 2 verse 17 “…faith by it’s self, if it is not accompanied by actions is dead.” Faith by it’s self does no good if there are no actions accompanied by it. He goes on to say “..You believe in God. Good! Even the demons believe that.”It’s not just believing in God, like he saud ”even the demons believe that”. And even the devil himself believes in God. It’s more then just saying your a Christian and fallowing the actions that go with it. It’s not some event that you sign up for and sit back and enjoy. Christianity is a one on one relationship with a God that is SO full of love and compassion we can’t fathom it….we can’t even grasp how much He can Love and how He loves! So how is our relationship with God supposed to work right if we don’t give on our end. How does this version of “I’m going to heaven so now it’s time to just sit backand relax” relationship get us any where. It doesn’t! There are so many people that act a certain way in church and act totally different with friends…..So is this right? No! This is an important issue. People who have faith, but no deeds are living a dead faith. They can say what ever they want, but really when their heart is in the wrong place and they aren’t living for Christ then they are only kidding them selves.
I think this is a perfect opportunity to take a step back an examine your faith. Are you really living for God in all situations or do you just do it when it’s easy to. What kind of example are you to those around you. Can they see Christ through the way you live and love?
John 13:15 – ” I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
Are we fallowing the perfect example that Jesus Himself left for us. Are we a living image of what He was about? As a believer it is vital to make sure that our faith does not become habit, but that it remains pertinent. If we let our faith become static and dormant then we also let it become dead.
So my challenge for you is this…..no matter the situation, no matter the people that are around you make sure your living out your faith. Continually check to make sure your life is not only centered on Christ, but thriving in Him.
Sky