Do as was done

Live like Christ even when you`re alone.

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?...For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.James 2:14-26

This passage is one of the highly coveted verses used to denote a contradiction, and tension, in the Bible. True faith requires true living and this passage/book has been about the renewing life of a believer rather than the process of them being reconciled.

True faith manifests itself in a culture of serving people, not saving them. Often, Christians tend to develop superhero complexes after conversion process. They see their goal in life as to MAKE everyone just like them. So focused on the last 72 hours of Jesus' life, they missed the previous three years.

Jesus served people.

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.Mark 10:45

The people Jesus served had immediate needs: food (Matthew 14:12-21), water (John 4:1-45), comfort (Matthew 25:40) and forgiveness (John 8:1-11). Note that the life of Jesus was about serving people and not paying other people to do it for them.

Abraham's life showed his trust in God. Apart from the adultery with Hagar, he trusted God. His wealth, the birth and protection of his promised son, and even seeking mercy for his brother, Lot, were all faith walks. It was a life of knowing God's character and living accordingly.

The Hebrew spies needed shelter and protection. Recognizing the Sovereign Hand of God, Rahab met their immediate need. She was in a position to serve and she did it faithfully.

Faith workers do so out of their nature and without gimmicks to remind them. The famous Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11 gives a shortlist of people who trusted God without a WWJD bracelet. It wasn't about a social gospel but practical living because of Who God is! It goes beyond belief and courses through our veins as the only way to live. The head knowledge is confirmed in the heart knowledge which is confirmed in our lifestyle. In so doing, others are promoted to take notice and repeat.