You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. (James 2:22)
Expanded Passage: James 2:20-22
It may have mattered at one point that the nurse had been top of her class. Her diligent study and proactive curiosity played into the skills she had and her readiness to act when things with my mom turned on a dime. But academic accolades did not prove her calling. It was her compassion, patience, and kind bedside manner that made the care she gave in my mother’s final days stand out. She was excellent in ability, but also in advocacy for my mom to receive holy care before death.
James challenged readers to consider Abraham’s willingness to lay his only son on an altar. He received instruction from the Lord to sacrifice Isaac, and whether or not it made any sense, he was ready to obey. He believed that God was going to make a way.
And it was Abraham’s actions that put his faith on display. Had he just thought about following through with the incredibly difficult event before him, but then let fear or his preference for his boy’s life hold him back from climbing the mountain, he would not have proven his trust in God’s faithfulness. This swift obedience to do even the most painful of things was credited to him as righteousness.
Our faith in God plays out in action. We are also called to walk in active and faithful obedience to his Word.
Trust God today as you step out to obey his commands.
Elizabeth Rhyno is a wife and mom, life and faith coach, wellness entrepreneur, and worship pastor. She is a champion for helping people let joy loose by uncovering their God-designed purpose.
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
