“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“
Ephesians 2:8-10
“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. “
James 2:14-17
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If God is in control of everything and nothing can stop His plans from unfolding, why should Christians do anything? If everything, including our salvation, is preordained, isn’t any effort on our part unnecessary? Why should Christians pray, worship, evangelize, or care for the vulnerable? God already has everything under control, right?
Many of us have wondered this at some point in our lives. Yet God quite clearly calls us to join Him in Kingdom work.
God’s plan is us doing good works for His glory. Ephesians 2:10 tells us that “we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Our Heavenly Father wants His children to join Him in His work of restoration. Throughout Scripture we read the many ways He calls us to serve Him and be a light to the nations. The Bible is full of examples of men and women who did just that.
While the questions above might seem initially valid, James 2:14-17 shows how silly they actually are:
What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
How can we say that we have faith if our behavior does not show it? If we are followers of Christ, our actions will demonstrate this. We will be following Christ.
God doesn’t need us to accomplish His purposes, but He has called His followers to join Him in His unfolding plan for the salvation and restoration of the world. So, we continue to share the good news of the gospel, love our neighbors, care for the vulnerable, and go wherever He leads us.
Questions for reflection and discussion:
- Have you ever wondered if your actions matter in light of God’s sovereignty?
- Why is it necessary for faith and action to go hand-in-hand?
- How is God calling you to serve Him today?
Church Reading Plan:
- Today, June 21: Isaiah 53; Matthew 1
- Saturday, June 22: Isaiah 54; Matthew 2
- Sunday, June 23: Isaiah 55; Matthew 3