Active Faith

James 2

In this chapter, James covers two topics: Christians should not show favoritism and faith without works is dead.  I'm going to look at a couple verses in this chapter that relate to each theme.  I encourage you to read or listen to the entire chapter if you have time.

In verses 1-13, James talks about not showing favoritism to those who are rich. My focus in these verses, however is verse 12-13.
                 

Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law 

that gives freedom, because judgement without mercy will be 

shown to anyone who has not been merciful.  Mercy triumphs 

over judgement!

The "law that gives freedom" mentioned in verse 12 refers back to verse 8 when he refers to the "royal law found in Scripture, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"  This is considered the royal law because it is the law that governs my interactions with others.  If I follow this law, then I will treat others with love and mercy.  He goes on to say that if I don't show mercy to others, then I, too, will be judged without mercy.  How often do I deny mercy to someone because I think they don't deserve it? In the same way, I will be treated if that's how I treat others.  

James then goes on to talk about how my faith needs to be accompanied by action, the theme of his book.  

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

But someone will say, "You have faith, I have deeds." Show me your faith 

without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe that 

there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that - and shudder.

James doesn't mince words here.  It is not enough to believe and have faith; even the demons believe! That is a convicting statement.  I must take it further and prove my faith with my actions.  As a Christian, I cannot separate faith and deeds.  I can't have faith on one side and deeds on the other.  The deeds, or lack of them, show what faith I have and where my faith lies.

You see that a person is justified by what he does

and not by faith alone. (v24)  

My actions cannot/do not save me. However, my actions and words are an overflow of what's in the heart.  If I call myself a Christians, my actions need to show it.  I can have all the knowledge in the world about the Bible and God; it doesn't matter; it means nothing if I don't put it into action!