I know that it is very politically incorrect for me to say this, but I love disposable things. Things like paper plates, paper towels, and red Solo cups….they make my hectic life so much easier. I have found them so helpful, especially since going gluten free. I try not to rely on these convenience items too much, but I confess, I love them.
Early this morning, the Lord woke me up at 3:30…yawn….I couldn’t get this phrase out of my head, “Disposable Faith.” I knew that it was coming form the Lord because at 3:30 in the morning, my brain is mush. So, I’ve spent the day pondering that phrase, “Disposable Faith.” I had to ask myself if my faith in God is a convenient thing I use when life gets a little hectic, but then toss aside when things are going swimmingly. Is my faith just something I have, not something I share actively with those around me? Does my faith have action, or is it dead? James 2:14-26 says,
14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by myworks. 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. 24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.
25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
James is trying to tell us that our faith must prove itself through our works. Many people don’t care to use the word “works” because it sounds religious or ritualistic. But that isn’t what James is talking about. He is talking about our actions. If you look at Strong’s, you will see that the word used for works is “ergon.” Here is the definition:
- business, employment, that which any one is occupied
- that which one undertakes to do, enterprise, undertaking
- any product whatever, any thing accomplished by hand, art, industry, or mind
- an act, deed, thing done: the idea of working is emphasized in opp. to that which is less than work
Hmmm…sounds a little like our daily lives how we conduct business, how we manage our households, even our hobbies….Even our thoughts and actions. My faith should be the most well worn, used up, relied on, beautiful, beloved aspect of my life, bearing no resemblance to a 3 day old Solo cup.
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