5 SEP 23 Tuesday: A Closer Walk Devotional
“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?” James 2:14
My dad used to use the phrase, ‘The proof is in the pudding’. As a kid, I would scratch my head when I heard it. People can say they are a believer, but the proof is in how they live out their lives. People say a prayer, raise their hands, and walk the aisle, but their lives never reflect that they belong to Jesus. There is a difference between profession and possession. The proof is in the pudding.
When a person goes to trial, the prosecutor has to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt their guilt. He presents evidence and brings witnesses to the stand to enforce his case against the defendant. Here is the question, Is there enough evidence to prove the person guilty? James is not saying that the person is not reconciled to God, as in ultimate justification. Is there enough evidence in your life to prove the claim that you are a follower of Jesus?
James is contending against people who seek to embrace Jesus as Savior without embracing Him as Lord. Lord means master and authority which is Jesus’ place in our lives. We on the other hand are slaves. We have been purchased and are no longer belong to ourselves nor in bondage to sin. We do what Jesus says to do. If we do not, then we are not His. Jesus himself says, ‘Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and don’t do what I say?’
Is there enough evidence in your life to prove you are a Christian?
Reading Plan: Psalm 26, 28; 1 Kings 8:65-9:9; James 2:14-9:9; Mark 14:66-72
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