You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone. (James 2:24)
Expanded Passage: James 2:23-24
The model car lay in pieces on the floor. And everyone paused in stunned silence, the echo of little Grayson’s “I hate you!” still reverberating. Wasn’t it just fifteen minutes earlier that he had been belting out worship songs in the car?
When we choose to follow Jesus, there is a new life waiting for us. Day by day, the Lord can transform us as we renew our minds in the Word and trust the Holy Spirit to change how we see and respond to the world. When we yield to this internal transformation, there is a natural outflow that is unmistakable. We are new creatures after all, and new creatures act differently. Those of us who follow Jesus increase in patience and compassion. Generosity becomes second nature. We begin to see others differently and desire to be helpful and kind.
When that kind of transformation is not always evident, it is worth looking again at our faith story. Are we truly following the Jesus of the Bible and allowing the Holy Spirit to change us? When our actions don’t match our words, we have the invitation to humble ourselves again before the Lord.
We may find that we are sometimes like Grayson, our outbursts not aligned with our profession of faith. In those moments, the kindness of the Lord can lead us to repentance and transformation.
Humble yourself daily to your Father and be transformed by his Spirit.
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®.
