Bible Reading: James 2:20-22
Aah! You are saved! Awesome! Now you can just sit back and wait to start reaping the benefits of being a child of God, right?
Hold on a minute! Just because you didn’t have to do anything to earn your salvation (that came by simply admitting that you’d sinned and believing that Jesus died for you) that doesn’t mean that you can’t do anything for God.
James 2:20-22 says, “You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.” Accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior secures our place in heaven, but that isn’t the end of the story.
After we accept Christ, the things we show our love and thankfulness to God. They allow other people to see our faith in God. Daily Bible reading and regular times of prayer and church attendance show people that we take our relationships with God seriously. Treating people with love, kindness, gentleness, and respect allows them to see a bit of what God is like through our lifestyle.
So, you are saved – Great! What are you going to do now? What are you going to do with the new life that Christ has given you? How are you going to give people a glimpse of God?
“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Prayer: Heavenly Father, use me as a window through which other people can see You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.