(Perspective) Biblical: Yeah, I Know About That

James 2: 14-26

But someone will say, ‘You have faith, and I have works.' Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe-and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?”(18-20)

A lot of people acknowledge there is a God. That’s good, even the demons realize this. There are several kind hearted people who do good things and know the benefits of charitable acts of service. Atheists will even argue we don’t need God or religion because taking care of society is what survival is about. The thing is, knowledge will only get you so far.

I’ll paraphrase this proverb I read recently: A rich man needed to reach a destination by river and hired a poor man to paddle him to his destination. The rich man inquired of the poor man’s studies and quest for knowledge. The poor man admitted to not having the smarts or availability to learn more. The rich man criticized him for not taking the time to learn more on varying subjects, etc. The poor man paddling observed a storm coming and asked the rich man if he knew anything about swimming. He responded that yes he knew a lot about swimming. The poor paddleman said that’s good as the storm came in, suddenly knocking the boat over. The poor man swam to safety with no sight of the rich man. The rich man knew a lot about swimming but didn’t actually know how to swim.

Further up in the chapter verses 15 -16 it says, “If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled’ but do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?” People in church know the value of performing charitable acts.

Be warned, in our western culture: If you’re comfortable with all your needs met, have plenty to donate, your faith in works is of course attainable, but please do not be like the rich man in that parable. Always consider the storms of life that come up. Sometimes the works of faith are putting your faith into action, not just donating material things. In verse 21, “Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?” Sacrifice is a work. Abraham believed God, that was part of the work, and his faith was justified. Verse 22, “Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by his works faith was made perfect?”

Storms of life hit us in forms of health issues, loss of jobs, broken marriages, and faith shattering trials. It’s one thing to know a lot about faith and a lot about works. The swimming skills of reading God’s word, praying and believing Him, sacrificing your time or material things to meet the needs of the destitute despite the trials you’re in, praising God despite the pain, forgiving your enemies and praying for them will help you reach safety.

When their city was going to be destroyed, a humble harlot who believed in God also had her faith justified. 25 reads, “Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them the other way?” Her entire family was saved because, not only did she Know about God, she believed Him, and her Works justified her faith.

Atheists who do good works but have no faith will drown. Demons know God, but rejected Him and will drown. There are many who know a lot and will still drown. Verse 26:

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.