My mom makes the best banana pudding. I am not trying to down others but that cook and serve pudding is what makes it the real deal (plus she makes it with love). Not knocking you if you use instant pudding but... The proof is in the pudding.
James is continuing to write about practicals in our faith in Christ. Remember though it’s not just about doing nice things and treating people well. The root is always Christ, and we move from our position in the finished work of Christ. James is saying “For just as the [human] body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works [of obedience] is also dead.” James 2:26
There should be times in our lives where our obedience to the Lord is expressed in our inconvenienced life for others, caring for others we don’t know, and laying our lives down for the sake of the gospel. Remember what Jesus said, ““But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.” Luke 6:32-36
Let your life be full of love like the cook and serve banana pudding. Our faith is expressed when we love those who may not love us back. When we do things in the name of Christ not expecting anything in return. For real... the proof is in the pudding!
- To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.