works.

       The number of times I have been around homeless people and had a fear of them is a number I can't recall.  The scene is the same for a lot of us and if this isn't how it looks for you then I want to say, your courage is honorable.  
       Have you ever been walking around a city and wandered past a homeless person and thought to yourself, "what can I do," though continued walking? There was this uncomfortable feeling that came into place and instead of doing anything, did nothing. Like I stated this has happened to me more times than I would like to remember.
       Yesterday I posted a blog about how in order to be saved by Jesus Christ, we don't have to do anything. It is a common struggle for a person to feel the need to "do" things for God to save us. As I am learning that mindset upsets the heart of God, because when you or I think this we are battling with a free gift from God; free meaning God wants us to be his children and experience his love without making an action but by simply receiving.
       This morning I read something where James in the Bible talks about "works," or doing things. Please follow along with me as I do my best to explain how I seem to understand this passage.

"If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."

James 2:15-17

       What does it mean? Faith without works is considered dead, though other parts of the Bible tell me I don't have to do anything to have Faith. It's confusing right? I think a common mistake I have made in the short time I have been a Christian is that I haven't always taken the Bible as literal.  When I have chosen to read it as it is things are much more clear.

       James talks often about doing things for God.  If I understand correctly though it is not in the context of being saved.  It is in the context of having Faith in God. These verses from James are not saying, "if you don't do things, you wont be saved."  He is stating that the Faith we have in God is showing nothing to anyone if we do not take action because of it.

       Does that make sense?  It is because of being saved and called children of God that we should do things that are good.  It glorifies God for us to do righteous things for him.  It'd be like doing something for a friend that you know would mean a lot to them because you know what makes their heart happy.  Though if you didn't do it for your friend it doesn't necessarily mean they wouldn't be your friend anymore. It is obviously much more than that but I hope you can understand what I mean.

       I encourage you to read the Bible so that you can see and know more about God's heart.  This will help us understand what we can do for him. Just one other thought.. if you have wanted to show someone who God is and they just aren't buying it by the things you have said, then we should stop talking and start showing them love.

       This post has felt a bit like a ramble, though I hope you can understand what I mean by all of this.  I am digging through it this morning and trying to understand myself.  If you have any thoughts please post them in the comment area or email me: 

BrettJamesShields@gmail.com