For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.
–James 2:26
A number of years ago, 15 university professors were challenged to summarize in one statement the primary motivator of all human behavior. These professors came from various disciplines of academia, and had to reach a consensus, in one statement, that would explain how people are motivated and moved to action.
At the end of their time together, the professors submitted their statement. It said, “What the mind attends to, it considers. What the mind does not attend to, it dismisses. What the mind attends to continually, it believes. And what the mind believes, it eventually does.”
It’s amazing that 2000 years ago, James, the brother of Jesus, wrote something very similar. That’s because the primary motivator of people to action was programmed by God at creation. The bottom line is this: If you truly believe something, that belief will result in action.
That’s the very crux of James’ teaching on faith and works. If your faith doesn’t motivate you to work, then perhaps you need to take a look at the reality of your faith. Yes, believe in Christ for salvation. But let that belief transform you as you act on it!
TRUE FAITH RESULTS IN ACTION. LET YOUR FAITH MOTIVATE YOU TO DO GOOD WORKS FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
