A Mysterious Balance

Saturday, April 18

James 2:17 KJV

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

Faith and works in indeed a mysterious balance, for we cannot tell where either begin and end. True faith will always lead one to good works. It reminds us of the experience of Joshua in fighting the Amorites. God had promised Joshua the victory, and because of this Joshua did his very best to obtain it.

The promise of God, and his faith in this promise, was the motivation that Joshua needed to achieve it. Faith gave him power, mental vigour and therefore enabled him to fight the battle of the Lord. His faith did not make him idle and wishful in thought.

Likewise with us, our faith will always motivate us to good works. If we say we have faith in Christ and no good works, it means that our faith does not really exist as we think it does. Faith gives power, and therefore whatsoever we do, all the glory is given to God; because without power we could not have done what we desired.