LOVE MOTIVATES ACTION
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.” James 2:18-19, NIV
Theme: Believing in God without loving God isn’t enough.
ANGELS AND DEMONS
This topic makes me uncomfortable because of how little I really know about it. I like to talk from a place of logic and facts, but when it comes to the unseen world, we really can’t know or prove much. All I have is the Truth in the Bible, a feeling in my gut, and a few personal experiences. I do believe in the spiritual – both fighting angels and deceptive demons – but not the cartoonish ones our culture and art usually depict.
The truth about demons is that they know God is real, but they will still perish. Demons reject God, yet they believe in Him. Belief alone does not save. If a person believes in God but hates Him or rejects Him, that faith is not enough.
SURE, THERE IS A GOD
Many people ascribe to the agnostic confession that they suspect the existence of a higher power – God even – but don’t much care to let God change anything. Somehow, belief in a "higher power” is supposed to satisfy us who question them, we who believe in a personal, life-changing, incarnate Jesus, as omnipotent, Creator God. Some even claim belief in the specific God of the Bible! But they don’t care to “practice” religion.
This “courtesy faith” in God isn’t enough. It doesn’t accomplish anything. It doesn’t save the “believer” because it isn’t real faith. “Even the demons believe that – and shudder” (James 2:19b, NIV). The demons aren’t saved. "It is written: ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God’” (Romans 14:11, NIV). Sooner or later, everyone and every being will acknowledge God. Acknowledgement doesn’t accomplish anything. It is a guaranteed eventuality. All will confess, including demons, saints, the condemned, and Satan himself. Sure, there is a God.
LET IT CHANGE SOMETHING
The truth that God is real changes everything if we accept it and allow it to do so. God gives life meaning. God reveals Truth. God has answers and power. He gives purpose and direction. The world is fading and crumbling but God has the authority to literally change anything. When I don’t only know God, but also love Him, that love motivates action. Abel brought an acceptable offering (Hebrews 11:4), Noah built an ark (Hebrews 11:7), Abraham went when God said go (Hebrews 11:8), and all the people listed in Hebrews 11 acted on their faith. Action (or deeds) motivated by faith in God and instruction from God indicates real faith. When we love God and act on that love by serving, we join God in what He is doing. That love, that faith, changes everything.
Make It Personal: Do you have a “courtesy faith” in God or a love of God that results in active serving? Think about how your faith in God changes your actions. If you can’t think of a way, put a plan in place to serve this week.
Pray: Dear God, Thank You for loving the whole world so much that You were willing to come for us. Thank You that You came to rescue me. In Jesus You provided an example, as He served and ministered even in His limited human body like mine, of how to show love. Please help us as we grow in our ability to serve. Please help me to have both faith and actions! I believe in You God, and I also want to let my belief motivate me to change. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Read: Isaiah 45:23; Hebrews 11
Weekly Memory Verse: “Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.” Proverbs 14:31, ESV