In our Monday morning Devotions, we are studying the book of James, and noting how James emphasized works (“faith without works is dead”), while Paul emphasized faith (“the one who do not work but believes in Christ; their faith is credited as righteousness”), James decries a work-less faith. Paul warns against a faith achieved via works. Our study together has been profitable and instructive.
As we head toward this Sunday, and Paul’s address on Mars Hill, our study in James is helpful. As we will dig into Acts 17 this Sunday, we see Paul address the leaders of Athens. He points to their “unknown God” and preaches this unknown God of theirs has been revealed in the resurrected Jesus. And some put their faith in Christ.
But the question for those new converts (two of them named Dionysius and Damaris) is “Now What?” Now that these folks have “found” their unknown God in Christ, what follows? Now what?
Our faith must produce fruit. Our life in Christ is to be transformative, and infuse and affect all areas of our lives. There are no private rooms, reserved for life apart from God. And so we are called to love the Lord our God with all heart, soul, strength and might, and do so in real, tangible ways.
I wonder what God is calling you toward. What inklings or nudges do you notice? How is your faith translating into action? How might you use your gifts for the cause of God’s Kingdom? Where can you extend mercy? Who needs a good word from you? Indeed, faith without works is dead. Thank God for your life in Christ, for how your faith has touched lives and honored God. May this continue to be so.
