Just a little Faith will do you . . . really? Think again.

The difference between knowing and doing is the difference between belief and faith, and to believe without faith is sin (James 4:17). To believe, however, is never enough (James 2:19). Obedient faith, even the size of a mustard seed, will make us strong in the Lord; however, such faith will soon die if we do not nourish it (Mark 11:12-14, 20-25).

It is not enough to be religious; rather, we are called into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ (John 1:12; 3:16; Acts 4:12; Ephesians 2:8-10). In that respect, we are made by the Holy Spirit new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17) who called into a relationship that will bear fruit. Our faith must be proactive, one that is evident in the godly life we live.

James, the cousin-brother of Jesus, rhetorically expressed it this way,

"What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead" (James 2:14-17).

In a similar vein John also focuses on this principle when he quotes Jesus as saying:

 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful (John 15:1-2).”

So, have no doubt about it, if you are not producing Spiritual fruit, you will soon wither away. And, what is this fruit?  

"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)."

Now, what about it, no matter what age you are, may I ask you, are you fruitful? Have you added to:

[Y]our faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election.

For, as Peter assures us,

[I]f we do these things, we will never stumble, and we will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:1-11).

Keep in mind, also, that indecision is your worst enemy because if you don’t decide to do better on a daily basis by default your lack of decision will only delay the best that God has for you. Even far worst, it may even cause irreparable damage to your soul and to that of others.

Now, don’t just think about these words, do something, if you have not already done so. On a practical level that may mean asking for forgiveness from someone you offended, or to repent of some secret sin that may be lurking in the closet of your heart. Each of us is different, so I don't know what your decision must be, but I do know the constant standard that all decisions rest on, and that is Jesus Christ (Colossians 3:17). He is our example. Our perfect example. So, go to Him, and He will guide you along the way.

I remain, prayerfully yours,

JimR_/