“Did you know that?!” When my student responded with disbelief at what he had learned in researching his social justice project, my heart leaped with excitement. Teaching in a private prep school, I look for ways to help my students see beyond their somewhat sheltered world. My delight was short-lived, however, when he continued by saying that although he felt bad for those who suffered, he wouldn’t change his buying habits. You see, one of the companies that uses sweatshops also happens to make his favorite clothing.
We don’t earn salvation; nor do we earn our way into the favor and blessing of God. But in his letter to the early church, James is clear. Faith requires action, or it is not faith at all.
How this plays out in our daily lives, though, is another question altogether. While Christians can easily be labeled for their protests and boycotts, knowledge creates an interesting dilemma in our understanding of faith and works. From the choices we make about media, the way we act in everyday situations, to our interest in the suffering of those near and far, our lives should reveal an intimate relationship with the Son of God who willingly gave His life for our well-being (Philippians 2:5-8).
The Bible says, “For God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). In the same way, our works—motivated by our faith in the goodness of God—should emanate from a heart of love (1 Corinthians 13:3).
A necessary component of our relationship with God (Hebrews 11:6), faith becomes an opportunity for the love of God to be made visible—through us.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: John 15:1-16
More:
Read Matthew 10:39-42, 25:34-40 to see some of the practical ways our faith can become active.
Next:
In what part of your life have you struggled to make your faith active? How can you keep a God-centered focus as you live out your faith?
winn collier on September 16, 2011 at 7:58 am
I think when you touched on love (or desire), you’re getting at something really important. The fellow in your class desired his trendy jeans more than helping his neighbor (I know I make some of these same choices sometimes). True love – for God and neighbor – will always evidence in loving actions. Thanks for this.
regina franklin on September 16, 2011 at 8:20 am
Thanks, Winn. My conversations with students about social justice proved to be very interesting, and their thoughts reflected some of the same gray areas with which adults struggle. On the flip side, social justice shouldn’t be fad-ish or romantic, as it can sometimes become. Really, it simply comes down to placing my choices before Jesus and following His voice of direction.
OnMyWayHome on September 16, 2011 at 6:22 pm
You have given me something to think about as a friend of mine used to fight for social justice in ways that I did not.
sheridan voysey on September 18, 2011 at 9:57 am
A penetrating message, Regina. To what degree will we change our habits to be in line with the heart of God and His will for justice?
alli on October 10, 2011 at 3:40 pm
this is true thinking i cannot live without certain things and forgetting those on the other side of the thing i covet so dearly. thanks for this reminder not to be greedy.