Daily Decisions
I was one of the many kids growing up who was told that mowing the lawn builds character. And at the time, and even for a while afterwards, I didn’t buy that. I figured it was just my dad’s way of saying something other than, “because I said so,” when I asked why I had to do it. But taking time to reflect on moments like that from the perspective of the Bible, my dad is right. Exhibiting the discipline and self-control to do something that you don’t feel like doing, something that may cause some sweat and hard work, does build character. And the same is true in our faith.
Faith is action.
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:17 NIV
In his letter, James poses the point that faith is dead without actions that reveal the faith. In fact, in the language the letter was originally written in, the word “faith” was synonymous with “faithfulness.” In English, we distinguish between the two words, and I think that has sowed confusion in a lot of people’s lives about what it means to be a Christian.
A lot of people may check a box on a document that says they’re a Christian. A lot of people will say they believe in God. James is saying that belief is not the same as faith. I don’t want to play into semantics here and tell you that you’re wrong if you say you believe in Jesus; I’m saying that your belief, your faith, will be shown by the actions you take each and every day.
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. James 2:18-19 NIV
Daily disciplines grow our faith.
Every single day, we will face temptations that will try to convince us to do something we know we shouldn’t do, and we’ll also face temptations that will try to convince us not to do the things we know we should do. It’s easy to forget that giving in to either of these kinds of temptations is sinful. If I set out a goal for myself to build strength and muscle, and get in better shape, the way I will make progress towards that goal is through diet and exercise. If I neglect one or the other, I will hinder my own progress. The same is true in our faith: there are things we must deny ourselves from, our sinful desires, and there are also things we must strive to do, the good works that Jesus did. You’ll make progress if you can consistently do one of these things, but it will be minimal compared to the life change you’ll see as you strive for both of these things daily.
Then Jesus [he] said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23 NIV
Spiritual growth is a team sport.
One of the greatest resources that the Lord gives us to grow nearer to Him is each other. Community with fellow believers is pivotal for all Christians to grow spiritually. There are a ton of verses that reveal this truth to us; I want to share a couple with you now.
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:16-18 NIV
This passage lines up directly with James’s take on faith and action. We must follow the example of Jesus to the people around us, not with our words but with what we do.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV
Don’t try to grow alone. Get with others for their sake and for yours. We encourage each other, and sometimes give a loving kick in the pants, so that we can all make those daily decisions to put our faith into action and follow Jesus.