Scripture: James 2:14-17
What good is it, try my brothers and sisters, ed if people claim to have faith but have no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

Thought for the Day: I’ve always loved James, and I’m glad the Romans and Greeks who assembled the Bible kept him in the cannon—because they threw out a lot of other texts that echoed James’ sentiments. What is the point of faith, though, if it doesn’t compel us to make a difference in the world? Think about the life of Jesus, whom I think most Christians would agree is the person of ultimate faith. Does he sit on his fanny and tell other people how awesome his faith is, berating everyone who thinks differently? Never. He wanders his world and changes the lives of the people he meets, both physically and spiritually. His teachings helped people think about religion and their relationship with God differently. His actions helped feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and clothe the poor. Most importantly, though (and this is where I think modern religion has failed miserably), Jesus asked his students to go out and do even greater things—not to save souls, but simply because our faith compels us to serve God by serving each other.

Prayer: Help me help others, God who helps us all. Amen.