Walk the Walk

James 2:14-26

(The 2nd of two devotions.)

 

 

“'Walk the walk' is almost always said in combination with 'talk the talk'. This is a 20th century American alternative to various old sayings which epitomize the notion that 'talk is cheap', 'actions speak louder than words' and 'practice what you preach'.” (Taken from www.phrases.org)

 

It seems like this is what James was saying to the early church when he wrote, “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?” And then, “…faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead”.

 

To make his point James gives this example. “Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?”

 

This reminds me of the parable that Jesus told about the sheep and goats. In this story the King told the righteous that they had fed him, given him drink, invited him in as a stranger, clothed him, cared for him and visited him in prison when they did it for the “least of these”. In other words, they ‘walked the walk’.

 

As evidence that faith results in action, James gives two examples from the Old Testament. The first was Abraham, the father of the Jewish faith. Any self-respecting Jew would find no fault with him. But the second is Rahab, a prostitute. Even though she is an acknowledged sinner, her faith was visible by her actions.

 

Driving his point further that faith leads to actions, James makes this statement, “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe and shudder”. In other words, believing, or having faith, is not enough unless the appropriate actions follow.

 

Listen to the words of Jesus on this topic of action and deeds: “So Jesus said to the Jews who believed in him, “If you are faithful to what I have said, you are truly my disciples. And you will know the truth and the truth will set you free!” Later in the book of John he said this, “If you really love me, you will keep the commandments I have given you…”

 

To walk the walk requires action. It requires obedience. It requires good works. But to

do it requires a loving relationship with the Living God that is fleshed out every day, every hour and every minute. As you walk the walk, keep this verse in your mind and heart:  ^“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”