How are you putting your faith to work?What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead. James 2:14;17 Last week, James challenged us in his epistle to not only hear the word but to be doers of the word. And now in chapter 2 he makes the bold statement that faith without works is dead. James continues to challenge us to not only talk the talk but to walk the walk. We are called to articulate our faith as well as put it into action. The danger is that we can say all the right things and not really believe them. By the same token we can do great works without any faith in God. So, what does faith with works look like? Sometimes, actions must speak louder than words. That doesn’t mean that words aren’t important. They are. But words alone don’t feed the hungry, tend the sick, house the homeless, visit the prisoner, or clothe the naked. When the Word is written on and in our hearts, faith is transformed into action. So maybe the real question is “How is your faith putting you to work?” Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; and then use us, we pray, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. (BCP p.832)
Blessings,
Matthew+ Grant us, O Lord, to trust in you with all our hearts; for, as you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so you never forsake those who make their boast of your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (BCP p.233) | 
