Evidence

'But will you know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? (James 2:20)

Talking the talk but not walking the walk.  We all have been guilty of it at some time in our life.  But when does the shift take place in your life.  When does your walk begin to match the faith you talk about? 
The book of James provides a series a tests by which we can evaluate our faith.  Is it living or is is dead? Take some time and read James 2:14-26.  In this passage James is not talking about being saved by the good deeds we perform.  For the scripture says, 'For by grace are ye saved through faith, and not of yourselves, it is a gift of God, not of man lest any man should boast...Ephesians 2:8-9'.  He is, however, saying that your life should be a representation of someone who has been washed by the blood of the lamb.  There should be evidence that a change has taken place.  There should be a difference between you and the world.  A person can say all day long that he is saved and that he has faith.  That same person can know in his mind what that means and yet be void of any active obedience.  He doesn't love his enemies.  He refuses to forgive.  He gives but only so someone can give him a pat on the back.  It is not done out of sincerity.  An empty confession may gain you a favorable opinion in the eyes of man, but what does it profit a man to gain the world and lose his soul.

So what does it mean to act in faith?  It means that our actions are geared toward pleasing God.  This should be our main goal.  The very fruits of our salvation.  That is why we must empty ourselves to be filled up by God.  Allow Him to guide our eyes to see those who are hurting.  Guide our ears to hear cries for help.  Guide our hands to give a hug to someone who needs comforting.  Guide our feet to go the extra mile to do something kind for someone who doesn't expect it even when we may be hurting ourselves.  Give us the words to speak life and not death to those we come in contact with.  Bottom line...dead faith has no power.  You cannot have faith and continue to reject obedience.  When you do this your witness is damaged. Let your faith that comes from God be evidence of His love. 

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  Thou who made me and knows all about me.  Here I stand, empty, a vessel wanting to be used by you.  Help me to remain focused on You in all that I do.  Let nothing that I do be out of vain conceit but out of sincerity from my heart, that in all things You will be glorified.  In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.