Real Faith Is More Than Just Believing
By Rick Warren
“You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?” James 2:19-20 (NLT)
Did you know the Devil believes in Jesus? So do the demons. But you won’t find any of them in heaven.
Why? Because saying you believe in Jesus doesn’t mean you have faith in him. It also doesn’t mean you trust him to fulfill his promises.
James says faith is more than just intellectual knowledge. Faith is something you do. It’s active, not passive. Real faith involves making a commitment to trust in Jesus.
Now this doesn’t mean we can earn our salvation. The Bible says, “For it is by grace [we] have been saved, through faith . . . not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV).
What James is saying is that our belief and commitment to Jesus is reflected in the things we do. Our good deeds are evidence of our real and trusting faith.
Maybe you’re struggling to make sense of why your relationship with Jesus doesn’t seem to be working. Could it be you’re not putting your faith into practice?
The Bible says, “Anyone who doesn't breathe is dead, and faith that doesn't do anything is just as dead!” (James 2:26 CEV). The word you see James use over and over is “do.” His message is very clear: real faith shows up in your lifestyle. Your faith should change you and the things you do.
What can you do today to show others your faith in Jesus? How can you serve them, support them, encourage them, and even show them how your faith is changing you?
There’s no better time than right now to take a stand for Jesus Christ and demonstrate your faith. As 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 says, “Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love” (NLT).
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This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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