James 2:19-20 You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God.[f] 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?
‘Cut to the chase’ – all but atheist will declare a belief in a god – James gives more credence to the terror existing in demons than the lack or virtue produced by those lacking evidence of their belief. Don’t think for a moment that simple profession is adequate for salvation. Good deeds are not limited to philanthropic efforts. We do not prove our faith through our service or sacrifice – we declare it by becoming selfless and esteeming others greater than ourselves; knowing that our devotion to God through Christ secures for us all that God has promised. Unless our faith impacts our character, changes our behavior and influences our speech it is simply a profession of personal ambition. We would be more honest to live in terror of judgement than dwell in the complacency of religious behavior. All deeds are not good or worthy if they are done with the wrong motive – if you do good deeds to be acknowledged by man your reward is complete - faith must produce a heart and life that desires to emulate Christ, glorify God and obey the Holy Spirit.
Read through the Bible in one year – Mar. 2 – Mk. 8:1-21; Num. 25-27
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