Faith with Shoes On

Deb preached on one of James’ most famous statements: “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead,” (2:17). She calls this “faith with shoes on,” faith that’s ready to leave the house. Here is Deb’s conclusion:

Faith with shoes on is a living faith. It’s a faith that includes actions. It’s not a question of inner faith versus outer actions. The fact is, you need both. You can’t earn your way to heaven by chalking up a whole list of good works. But you also can’t agree with the idea of who Jesus is without letting that inner conviction work its way out through your hands and feet. Faith needs to have its shoes on if it’s going to go anywhere. 

As we wrap up our time of worship and put our metaphorical shoes on to go out into the rest of our lives, think about what situation you will face this week where God is asking you to live your faith outwardly. Is there a relationship that needs repair? A situation that needs God’s grace? A tough knot that needs God’s wisdom to unravel? May God lead each of us this week as we lace up our shoes of faith and follow him.