Faith and Works

By Guest Writer

Scripture Reading: James 2:14-26, Romans 3:23-26, Ephesians 2:8-10

When the more familiar passages of Scripture come across my daily reading—James 2:14–26 included—I find it hard not to go back to those “first impression” places as I read now. I’m whisked back to a creaky pine desk and overly-enthusiastic seventh grade Bible teacher that opened class that day with what can only be described as a true oration of this text. Seriously, Shakespearean theatre troupes would be impressed.

The cost of these first-impressions is a coloring of the text that, for better or for worse, shapes how we interpret them—and how we envision God, His work in our lives, and His love for us.

I do wonder if I can read the tone of James 2 a lot lighter than some of those voices of my past. When I swap the stern brow and commandeering voice with a beseeching, imploring one, I find this presents new ways to take in James’s message. I imagine James as being so compelled by his love for his Lord that he couldn’t help but make sure that those who say they also follow Jesus are representing this new way of living well.

For example, I know my best friend loves vulnerable conversations, dark chocolate and raspberry ice cream, and a good poetry book. If I know these things but then decide to grab them a mystery thriller and some vanilla soft serve and have a chat about the weather, then I don’t think I can say I truly care about my friend or what they care about.

Our Lord is concerned with extending grace and mercy to those who sin against Him (Romans 3:23–26), He is humble by nature (Matthew 11:29), and He has said that if you want to show Him that you love Him, you take care of His children (John 21:17). Yet how many of us (go ahead and add me to that “us”) know these things but then feel compelled to point out our spouse’s flaws whenever we can, pivot work conversations back to what we’ve done right and how our coworker messed up, or let the pastors deal with the poor in our churches and neighborhoods?

James 2 is giving fierce clarity to the subtle differences between believing in Jesus and placing faith in Him. We can believe He is the Savior of the world, but our genuine faith is revealed when we make decisions that align with His teachings. We can know that He rose from the grave to save us all from the consequences of sin, but it’s the evident changes in the ways we think and act that reveal authentic faith.

Full transformation in Christ is not just expressed internally but externally too. As for me, I want to be transformed from the inside out by Jesus more than I want to just meet the basic requirements for salvation.

Because as I come to know Him more deeply, I can live more fully.

Written by Kayla De La Torre