I will show you my faith by what I do.
—James 2:18
We all have preferences in the ways we learn. For instance, I prefer reading over watching a film or sitting through a lecture.
But sometimes, reading computer-function instructions leaves me stumped. The writer is a much-smarter-than-me specialist. So, I punch in the phone number of my service-provider technician and say, “Show me.” And with a few keystrokes, he shows me.
James, writing about faith in chapter two of his letter, says:
- “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (v. 17)
- “faith without deeds is useless” (v. 20)
- “faith without deeds is dead” (v. 26)
Faith is demonstrated by action. “Show me your faith without deeds,” James challenges—which is clearly impossible—and “I will show you my faith by what I do.”
Do you have faith? Show me.