Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. — James 2:17 KJV
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. — James 2:17 NIV
Reflection on Verse for Today
A “living faith” is demonstrated by the spiritual Christian who carries out God’s work in His strength and power. The carnal Christian’s faith is “dead” if he or she does not perform the works of God. The latter, who does not honor God in his Christian life, is considered to have a “dead faith,” whilst the former has a living faith. A carnal Christian’s faith is dead when he attempts to carry out good deeds in his own power or for his own glory. Because of his trust in Christ’s atoning act at Calvary, he continues to be saved by God’s grace, but he is preserved as though by fire. Saved, but with no spiritual compensation. saved, but showing a lifeless faith.
May we walk in the footsteps of devoted Christians and never lose sight of the fact that the Lord Jesus, not the Mosaic Law, serves as our guide for living. Church-age believers are instructed to follow Jesus. May we act in accordance with our faith to live by it and do good deeds to the glory of God. May we realize that we are saved not by our good deeds, but rather by the excellent deed that Christ performed on the Cross in our place.
For the remainder of our days, may we live and carry out the works of God in His strength and for His glory.
My Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus and the example He provided in His life of a man who freely and by the power of the Holy Spirit carried out the redeeming task You had planned for Him to complete.
I pray that You will grant me the ability to carry out Your plans and show a genuine faith that exalts Your holy name. I pray that instead of trying to carry out dead works in my own power, help me show a living faith by following Jesus as the example of my Christian life. In Jesus mighty name I pray. Amen.