March 15, 2021
Put Your Faith Where Your Action Is
Gwen Smith
Today’s Truth
Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead (James 2:17, NIV).
Friend to Friend
When I was swept up in the whimsical world of wedding planning every detail mattered. I was excited to be marrying Brad Smith and wanted our wedding day to be a magical springboard to a life filled with amazing adventures and deep years of God-centered love. From the cake choices – to the dress choices – to the music choices – to the guest list choices – to the bridal registry choices, I was all about the business of wedding prep.
The bride of Christ is purposed to be all about the Father’s business. To prep for eternity by making choices to bring Him glory throughout our days. To intentionally worship the Lord through our service.
We are called to connect our believing to our behaving. Our convictions to our conversations. Our lip-service to our life-service.
Put your faith where your action is!
“Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:17).
Hear me out here.
Service is not the key to gaining salvation. Salvation comes by faith in Christ alone (Romans 10:9-10). Service is, however, essential for the believer as a response to her salvation. “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).
No matter who you are or what your platform is in life, the truth remains that whatever you do and say is being watched. Everyone emanates something. A radiant Christian woman – a radiant bride of Christ – is to emanate the saltiness and light of Jesus through her life, as displayed through the things she does and doesn’t do.
"Jesus said, 'You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven'” (Matthew 5:13-16, NIV).
No matter the circumstances of your life or the complexities of your relationships. From your word choices – to your tone choices – to your television choices – to your music choices – to your service choices – to your activity choices, be all about your Father’s business.
What would it look like for you to be radiant as His bride and put your faith where your action is today?
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, You are worthy of all honor and praise. Help me love well and choose my actions wisely so those around me would be drawn to Your hope and give you praise.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
What are your actions saying about your faith? Are you salty for Christ in what you do and say? Spend a few moments reflecting on this and then spend some time in prayer.
How can you serve someone today? Perhaps God is leading you to bless someone in your household...or someone in your church...or someone in your neighborhood. Could you reach out to a single mom, a family member, a widow, or a hurting friend? Ask God to direct you to opportunities to put your faith into action in the lives of others.
More from the Girlfriends
Get your FREE downloadable 5-Day Psalm Challenge now and enjoy studying the Bible in the comfort of your home, in a timeframe that fits with your personal schedule.
© 2021 by Gwen Smith. All rights reserved.
Originally published Monday, 15 March 2021.
SHARE
