Faith spurs on works.

Some one once told me that the only things I truly believe in life are the things that I actually do. I agree that when we truly believe something, then we will act upon that conviction. The deeper that conviction runs, and usually the more outspoken we will be about it. I make no apologies for how I, sometimes failingly, try to live my life for what Christ would expect of me; I must always make sure that I act upon those things out of the level of faith and love I have developed for my God, realizing that the things I do for God are not out of requirement. Basically put, I am saved by grace through faith, as an unmerited act of God through His Son Jesus Christ, and how He died on the cross for my sins(Eph 2:8, Rom 10:9).

Moving on from that part of salvation, there is still an emphasis on how we work out that faith publicly. It is by faith we get to take part in our relationships with our Father in heaven, but if we truly believe that God is who He said he is, then we will act it out in a real way for others to see. I have a friend who always talks about his kids, and it is solely because he loves his kids so much that all he can think about is the amazing things they say and do everyday. I have another friend who rarely "brags" about his kids, but it is evident that he loves them because he always prioritizes his time around being able to spend time with them. For both these guys, although they both have a different way of showing it, they know and feel the love they have for their kids, and it affects the way they live their everyday lives. For me, it is very evident in the actions of one and the words of the other.

John 1:12 says that we are His children, and His love for us cannot be taken away as is confirmed in Romans 8:38-39. That is the catalyst for me which has helped to change me from the inside out. The Holy Spirit convicts me of this, and as I started to believe and understand this love, He has built the desire in me to act out that love towards others; hopefully all others if possible, one day.

A good part of the book of Romans focuses on how we are saved by faith, and casts a picture that works have nothing to do with it. The book of James casts a slightly different picture showing that true faith will spill over into your actions (2:14-17).

I write all of this with the hope of challenging you to see where you are at in your relationship with God, and ultimately to encourage you to some how take some steps forward to make your faith more real as the days pass, and you mature spiritually. Ask God to show you how you can do it, and He will definitely give you something you can do which matches up with your natural talents and abilities, if and when He gives you a direction to follow.

I love you guys, and felt that this was the direction God wanted me to take today. Nice and light, yet prayerfully a catalyst for more change in how we view and act out our love for our Father.

Grace and Peace,

Arron