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PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE

Dear brothers and sisters, what's the use of saying you have faith if you don't prove it by your actions? That kind of faith can't save anyone. Suppose you see a brother or sister who needs food or clothing, and you say, "Well, good-bye and God bless you; stay warm and eat well"—but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? – James 2:14-16 (NLT)

            We can make any claim that we want to in life, but if our assertions are not backed up by a preponderance of evidence, most will not believe our claim for long. For instance, I might affirm that the most important person in my life is my wife. But if I never pay any attention to my wife's needs, neglect or abuse her in any way, or show any other type of behavior proving the opposite of my affirmation, you will no longer believe that she is the most important person in my life.

            The same is true in regard to our faith in Christ. It is easy to tell others that we are Christians and that we believe the Bible is our standard for living. But if we do not live by the principles set forth in God's Word, our actions will not back up the belief system we claim as our guide. It is one thing to offer pious platitudes to others in need, it is quite another to meet that need through actual service. Real faith is demonstrated when we live what we believe.

PRAYER THOUGHT: Lord, I don't want to be a hypocrite. Show me how to put my faith into practice.