James 2:14-17: “What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, ‘Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?’ So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.”

How does a Christian bring glory to Jesus anyway? Do we do this through our words of praise and adoration? Partially, but living in a way that demonstrates the love of God truly brings glory to Christ. James gives a great example that shows us what true and complete faith should look like. In the analogy, James addresses the issue of us telling people about Jesus, but not showing them Jesus through our love for Him. If we don’t learn to effectively show them Jesus, then the need in their lives will never be met.

When Jesus came to earth, it was for the sole purpose of glorifying the Father among the Jews. He accomplished this by obeying the Father’s will while He walked among His own people. It was toward the end of His ministry and life on earth that Jesus told the disciples of His imminent death on the cross. As He discussed this event with them, Jesus said that He was not alone, because the Father was with Him. Catch this next statement from the mouth of our Savior: “He is with me BECAUSE I always DO THOSE THINGS that please the Father.” In other words, Jesus pleased the Father by being willing to serve God’s purpose in the earth and not His own desire. As a result of Jesus’ obedience, the Father empowered Him in His greatest moment of anguish and suffering to glorify God in His body.

By the same token, we must show our faith—not just talk about it to others. As we demonstrate our faith through obedience, then the life of Jesus is released into our hearts; that Life will cause us to live a godly life in a sin-filled world. In John 15, Jesus tells us, His disciples, that we are to abide in the Vine (Him) through active faith in accordance to the Word and the will of God. Then we will bear fruit and be His disciples indeed. As we bear fruit, our lives will glorify our heavenly Father and Jesus, His Son. What is the Holy Spirit telling you to do in your life? Are you being obedient or has fear kept you from stepping out? In order for your faith or mine to be complete or to save us, we must follow up His instructions with our obedient actions; then we will overcome self and glorify our Savior and Lord.  —submitted by Asa Dockery, US