By True faith makes a difference is the chorus of the book of James
In a ‘Christianity’ where many claim to be a Christian but few really lived profoundly different to the world, this simple summary statement of the book of James is an anchor for true faith—true faith makes a difference. For example, Philippians 2:14-15 shows how true believers do not grumble and complain like the world. Another example of this would be what Jesus taught in Matthew 6:31-33, that true believers do not worry like the world. In all the New Testament commandments, this statement rings true: True faith makes a difference.
In the book of James this theme is like a beam of light touching on every area of our lives. Just like the book of Proverbs deals with many different topics, but ties them all together with the spiritual realities of true wisdom taught in its initial chapters, so the book of James touches on many different topics, but ties them all together with the spiritual realities of the works of true faith. In James’ imagery, “living faith works; work-less faith is dead” (James 2:14-26).
Matching the practical insight and value of Proverbs, James shows us that true faith makes a difference,
- in how we respond to difficulties (1:2-12)
- in how we understand the source of evil and the source of good (1:13-18)
- in what we consider true spirituality (1:19-27)
- in how we treat all our neighbours (2:1-13)
- in how we understand the foundational principle of faith in action (2:14-26)
- in the way we speak (3:1-12)
- in our relationships (3:13-18)
- in how we deal with our sin and the sin of others (4:1-12)
- in how we make plans (4:13-17)
- in how we handle our finances (5:1-7)
- in how we remain faithful till Jesus returns (5:7-12), and
- in how we stay busy with kingdom work (5:13-20).
Is your faith making this kind of difference in your life? May God make it so!