S208P12 – A new family: accountable works
Jam. 2:14-17
What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Everyone on the team was competent, and most were highly skilled. These people were trained by masters in their field, so the expectations placed on them were extremely high. They were undeniably a proud bunch, but they had made a place for themselves above their colleagues because of their abilities. Unfortunately, that pride also had its detriments. Some of them would go rogue and decide to follow their own set of rules without realizing one important thing. Their deviations from the proper procedure would affect the entire team’s performance, damaging the work of the unit because of one person’s short-cut.
It is no secret in the scriptures, and we have reviewed previously, that the body of believers must work as an actual body. We are a single unit motivated by a common purpose and joined by a common Spirit. When I behave according to God’s precepts and fulfill a good work, I am doing that not just for myself but for the body of Christ. Likewise, when I shirk my responsibilities and act like I know better, and I go rogue and disobey, that bears a consequence to the whole. The family of God is relying on me to complete my part, whether that means propping up other brothers and sisters in need or simply pulling my weight in the work of seeking and saving the lost. If my faith does not come with good works, then the body as a whole suffers.
The operative word in the above passage is dead. We all know what that word means. It means that something has no life. It cannot breathe, love, or act with any intent or purpose. When our faith is not accompanied by works, it means that we are among the Church but bringing no life to that group. It means that we are the picture of spiritual death among those who are meant to be alive. Obviously, that would have a negative effect on the brethren. We must make sure that our faith always is living as evidenced by works because it is not just about me or you but about our spiritual prosperity. Father, teach us how to keep this faith alive, and give us the conviction to do so for your sake and the sake of your Church.