Week of Monday September 8 – September 14
Posers – Man as Provider
“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” James 2:14-18 ESV
James, who served as the lead pastor of the Jerusalem church, had a unique ability to unpack the truth in Scripture in such a way that one cannot help but see and understand the foundational truths of God’s word! In this case, he is calling out posers in the church. Unfortunately, there are still many posers who profess and present themselves as believers, but there is little to nothing about the way that they live to back up their claims to be Christians. Yet this sort of posing is just a part of the culture. In fact, many have elevated their posing to a new level. An article in The Wall Street Journal asks:
Why work out when you can just buy the clothes and look like you did?" The article explores a growing trend in the athletic apparel market—people are buying sports clothing without actually practicing the sport. The article notes "the U.S. athletic apparel market will increase driven in large part by consumers snapping up stretchy tees and leggings that will never see the fluorescent lights of a gym." For instance, sales of yoga apparel increased by 45 percent, but yoga participation grew by less than five percent. The trend isn't limited to yoga. Outdoor and camping retailers have debuted new lines of hiking boots and flannel shirts for people who probably have no intention of actually hiking and camping. Retailers are also rolling out jogging pants and preppy, $90 men's running shorts for men who may never jog.
Well, James had a stern word for such posers who called themselves Christ-followers but showed no evidence in their lifestyle to back up their claims. Let me be quick to say that James rightly underscores the fact that we are not saved by our works, not at all. However, if we are genuine Christ-followers, men of faith, there will also be living proof of that faith in our works. William Booth, Founder of the Salvation Army, once observed, “Faith and works should travel side by side, step answering to step, like the legs of men walking. First faith, and then works; and then faith again, and then works again—until they can scarcely distinguish which is the one and which is the other.”
Now, we clearly understand that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Yet at the same time, if we are saved, we will work for the Lord, we will act in alignment with biblical principles, we will strive to behave in obedience to the model and teachings of our Master! Consequently, our calling as Providers does not only include the work we do to make a living to meet the physical needs of our families as well as alleviate the suffering of the poor. As a Provider, we are also to provide an example of actions and behavior that reflect Jesus. So, don’t just be another poser, professing Jesus but living a life that doesn’t at least strive to line up with His. Instead, with Jesus as your goal, step up and be a provider of a positive example for those you love and lead.
Posers – Man as Provider
“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” James 2:14-18 ESV
James, who served as the lead pastor of the Jerusalem church, had a unique ability to unpack the truth in Scripture in such a way that one cannot help but see and understand the foundational truths of God’s word! In this case, he is calling out posers in the church. Unfortunately, there are still many posers who profess and present themselves as believers, but there is little to nothing about the way that they live to back up their claims to be Christians. Yet this sort of posing is just a part of the culture. In fact, many have elevated their posing to a new level. An article in The Wall Street Journal asks:
Why work out when you can just buy the clothes and look like you did?" The article explores a growing trend in the athletic apparel market—people are buying sports clothing without actually practicing the sport. The article notes "the U.S. athletic apparel market will increase driven in large part by consumers snapping up stretchy tees and leggings that will never see the fluorescent lights of a gym." For instance, sales of yoga apparel increased by 45 percent, but yoga participation grew by less than five percent. The trend isn't limited to yoga. Outdoor and camping retailers have debuted new lines of hiking boots and flannel shirts for people who probably have no intention of actually hiking and camping. Retailers are also rolling out jogging pants and preppy, $90 men's running shorts for men who may never jog.
Well, James had a stern word for such posers who called themselves Christ-followers but showed no evidence in their lifestyle to back up their claims. Let me be quick to say that James rightly underscores the fact that we are not saved by our works, not at all. However, if we are genuine Christ-followers, men of faith, there will also be living proof of that faith in our works. William Booth, Founder of the Salvation Army, once observed, “Faith and works should travel side by side, step answering to step, like the legs of men walking. First faith, and then works; and then faith again, and then works again—until they can scarcely distinguish which is the one and which is the other.”
Now, we clearly understand that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Yet at the same time, if we are saved, we will work for the Lord, we will act in alignment with biblical principles, we will strive to behave in obedience to the model and teachings of our Master! Consequently, our calling as Providers does not only include the work we do to make a living to meet the physical needs of our families as well as alleviate the suffering of the poor. As a Provider, we are also to provide an example of actions and behavior that reflect Jesus. So, don’t just be another poser, professing Jesus but living a life that doesn’t at least strive to line up with His. Instead, with Jesus as your goal, step up and be a provider of a positive example for those you love and lead.
- Considering Jesus as your model, what are some things you admire about Him that you would like to show up in your attitude and behavior toward others? What steps can you take so that your “works” reflect more of Jesus?
- Does your church, your Pastor, and your family see your faith in the actions and involvement priorities of your life? In what meaningful ways are you serving in local ministries and outreach efforts by putting your faith into action?
- Pray and ask God to help you provide a better example for the next generation of Christ-followers, and ways of involving your children and grandchildren into ministry opportunities.