“So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” – James 2:17
We aren’t saved by our good works and James isn’t saying we are. No amount of good works could ever be enough to reconcile an imperfect sinner with a perfect, sinless God. Only faith in Jesus Christ can save us as a gift of God’s grace.
However, such faith never travels alone! True saving faith will always be followed by a passionate desire to do the good works of God described throughout Scripture. If your faith is sufficient to reconcile you to God then it will be accompanied by a lifelong pattern of good works.
Take a few minutes to review your life. Is there a pattern of good works in your life? Are you excited about expressing your love for God and neighbor? If not, then you may not yet truly know Christ! If this describes you, stop to pray. Yield your life to Jesus as your King and Lord. Confess your sins to Him and turn from them for good. Believe in Him as resurrected from the dead for your good and His glory. Don’t go through life with a dead faith. Nurse your faith to new life in Jesus Christ, then watch it surround itself with good works.