James 2:14-26 ....if someone says he has faith but does not have works?  Can faith save Him?....Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.... faith without works is dead.... Do you see that faith working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?

 

Faith and works go hand in hand. One must have faith, which should inspire works. Sitting around and just believing in GOD means that one is not really committed to pleasing HIM. No doubt GOD could stretch out HIS arm and heal the world of all its woes but then we would not benefit in our spiritual journey back to HIM. GOD wants us to go to HIM through faith and deeds. 

 

Faith without works or vice versa is like trying to row a boat with one oar. It would be near impossible to reach our destination. Both oars are needed to row straight to the other side. When we have faith and perform works in GOD's name, we set out on a direct path to HIM. By "works" I believe the meaning is love. We must have faith in GOD and Jesus and we must display that faith through love for one another. By being understanding, charitable, helpful and selfless, we show our love for the way GOD wants us to live.

 

Faith alone seems a bit lazy to me and on the other hand, works alone would lead to self importance. If we don't believe that our works are in the service of our LORD and through HIM we are enabled to do good deeds, then we start to believe that its all our own doing, thus straying from our faith.

 

"For by grace ye are saved through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9

(cont.)