“So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” (James 2:17-18, ESV)

James’ faith definition is the subject of consternation and debate. I think much has been made over a simple matter. James is not saying that we may attain right standing with God by the sum of our works. James is clearly stating that faith is not faith if it does not act. What is the matter with that? I may believe an airplane is capable of transporting people and freight through the air from one place to another with all my heart, but I have no faith until I put myself at risk by taking a seat and fastening the safety belt. I may believe that a chair is structurally sound and useful for supporting my body as I recline, but until I have placed my back parts at the mercy of the chair’s struggle against gravity, I have exercised no faith.

Christian faith states that God is God of me without exception. Christian faith states that because God is God I must obey his command and reflect his authority in my life. It is never a static thing and may not be reduced to “belief.” James tells us that faith is, by nature, dynamic. The movement of faith is applied in practical, everyday choices we make to place our own interests and desires in submission to God’s design and direction.

I come to know Jesus as savior by receiving him first as Lord of my heart. My faith is working by the transfer of authority. I follow Jesus by first learning what he expects of me, then doing as he commands. American’s still admit “they believe” but practice nearly no faith whatsoever, even in the church. What often is denoted as “faith” is self-serving belief. “If I just believe hard enough then my mom will get well,” “If I just believe correctly enough I will get a job,” “If I just believe purely enough my relationship with my spouse will be healed,” people think. Faith says, “I know God is the great physician and will heal my mom if that is best.” Faith says, “I know God provides for my every need, so whatever work I find is worthy of my efforts and I will be grateful.” Faith says, “God so loved me that he gave the riches of heaven to express that love, even to the point of death. That love is inside of me and I will pour myself out for the sake of love.”

Faith says…