Feed Your Faith

“My brothers and sisters, what good is it if people say they have faith but do nothing to show it? Claiming to have faith can’t save anyone, can it? In the same way, faith is dead when it doesn’t result in faithful activity.”
— James 2:14, 17 CEB

When you neglect to feed your faith, you put your belief system at risk. A superficial reading of this passage of Scripture, or taken out of context, might lead you to believe that salvation is contingent upon accumulating good works. However, when examined within the context of the Bible’s teachings on salvation, a more accurate understanding of faith surfaces. Thereby, we understand that faith is not the means to complete salvation, but rather the result of it.

Suppose someone is hungry or in need of clothing. Genuine faith would feed and clothe them. Faith recognizes that the person needs food and clothes, not merely well-meaning words. Faith is not and cannot appear genuine unless corresponding works accompany it. While our kind words and well-wishes may be authentic, they do not address the individual’s immediate need. In fact, faith has no value unless accompanied by good works.

The Peril of Religion

Religion can sometimes be dangerous because it is deceptive. Religion focuses more on our works than on believing and trusting God. Consequently, it produces more works than faith. However, the Bible teaches that your good works do not save you. Therefore, the first step in feeding your faith is recognizing that no amount of good works can save you. “You are saved by God’s grace, because of your faith. This salvation is God’s gift. It’s not something you possess by your own efforts. It’s not something you did that you can boast of (Ephesians 2:8-9 CEB). However, faith in itself, without works, is meaningless and useless.

Feed on God’s Word to Nurture Your Faith

Faith is a gift from God. By design, faith should lead to good works, in addition to a holy life, that is, a life that serves God’s purpose. On the other hand, religion is not designed to produce faith. Instead, it stimulates self-righteousness by emphasizing self-modification. Do not confuse religion’s self-modification with the internal transformation that faith brings in the spirit.

You can experience this transformation today. Begin nourishing your faith by feeding it with God’s words. Open your Bible and allow God to minister to you. With every book, chapter, and verse, you will gain valuable knowledge of God’s character, something religion cannot do.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your gift of faith, and forgive me for neglecting to feed it. I pray that my faith will produce good works that You may be glorified.