Day 356

Faith Produces Works

Read: James

James was probably a half brother of Jesus, who had not believed in him during his earthly life but came to faith as a result of the resurrection and became the leader of the congregation in Jerusalem. There is a tradition that he was nicknamed “camel knees” because of the calluses produced by spending so much time on his knees in prayer.

At first glance James seems to contradict Paul. Paul says we are justified by faith alone; James says we are justified by works (2:21-22). But they were dealing with two different problems which we still have today. Paul was concerned with those who thought they could save themselves by their good works. Such people must be told that they can only be saved by Christ and that their good works in no way make them right with God. James was concerned with those who just say they have faith and think that as a result they are saved. He tells such people that the genuineness of faith is proved by the lives they live.

James puts his finger on ways in which we are inconsistent. The same mouth must not praise God and curse (3:10). Our prayers may not be answered if we want the wrong things (4:3). We are not in control, so when we make plans we must add “if the Lord wills” (v. 15). The rich better be careful that they do not take advantage of the poor (5:4).

PRAYER
Father, give us grace to put all our trust in Christ and show our faith is genuine by the way we live. Amen.