Devotion from Carol Killingsworth

Faith Without Works Is Dead

James 2: 14-17 “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?  Can such faith save him?  Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.  If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?  In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead”

 

I have always loved these verses because to me, faith without action is not what Jesus taught us.  I once attended a church that acted as if faith was enough – no actions were required or needed: their prayers were enough.  Every time I attended, I felt as if something was missing.  I know we are saved by our faith in Jesus Christ, but I know He wants us to share our faith by ministering to others, as He did.

I am so excited to be a part of FUMC Sanford because I see the faith of others in their actions by visitations to shut ins, hospital visitations, Grace and Grits, the Quilt Ministry, the Picnic Project, the Bear ministry, the combination of services with The Children’s Home (not just sending them money) and ways I’m sure I’m not aware of. This Church is Faith in Action.

 

Prayer:  Dear Lord, thank you for a church that shows their faith through their work.  Make us aware of needs that we have not met.  Help each of us to do our part to live a life of service as Jesus did.  Bless the work being done in Your name.  In Jesus name we pray.  Amen