Faith in Works

The BLVD Church arrived Saturday morning to exemplify their Christian faith through their works.I thank April Thompson (WREG reporter), for referring me to the Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church's Helping Hands & Hearts Community Service Program. She rolled up her sleeves with fellow members to paint my bedroom and installed a new ceiling fan to make it cool enough to sleep in my bedroom on warm days.

This organized team of volunteers of every age used just a couple of hours and a couple of hundred dollars to make a significant difference in the quality of my life. There was prayer but no proselytizing or promises for a “healing.” Beyond their Christian charity I was so impressed with their operation. A member came on a Saturday to assess and prioritize my needs. The following Saturday a team arrived all on schedule not only with people …but with a plan. With both efficiency and warmth they went about their charitable tasks.

They were ordinary people, but they were extraordinary Christians. Note: They were not ordinary Christians. They were exceptions to so many ministers and church members that have generously given their prayers, anointed us in oil, lay on their hands, and sent many compilations of the healing scriptures. Make no mistake these benevolent acts were sincere and greatly appreciated. Every one of these demonstrations is important to our Christian faith. These declarations of faith are not enough though. In the New Testament James says,

If a brother or sister is naked, or is destitute of daily food, And you say to them, [Oh] Depart in peace, be warmed and filled; but yet you don't give them any clothes or any food; what good are your words (2:15-16)?

They can't make him warm. They can't fill his stomach.

Even so faith, if it has not works, is dead, if you try to stand alone. Yes, a man may say, You have faith, and I have works: but you show me your faith without your works, I will show you my faith by my works (2:17-18).

True faith will be manifested by the works. Verbal affirmation isn't enough and it won't do it. The works being the proof of the faith.

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also (2:25-26).

Father, help us not just affirm our Christianity but may we demonstrate Christianity by the attitudes and actions of our lives. May we show faith in the works that we do

In Jesus' name. Amen.