a little about works versus faith

Study through James and one comes upon this writing:

Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?" (James 2:14-15)

Now - it is pretty obvious to anyone who reads the New Testament once in a while that anyone who claims to follow Jesus is supposed to be involved in serving others. This is the way of Jesus and one cannot be a follower of his without living as he did. Seems straight forward enough.

Here's the problem (ie...my vent): It seems like very few Christians (at least in American Christianity) actually follow through on this need to serve others...which may explain why American Christianity is struggling in the faith department because James seems to be saying (imo) that it is these acts of service and love that will energize our faith.

Think about it. How different might the world be if followers of Jesus put as much effort into serving others as they do into their Sunday morning attendance, or their Bible studies, or their accountability groups. Don't get me wrong, those are important...but why do we focus on those so much and exclude a focus on caring for others.

Indeed, one of the things that ancient Romans historians noted was that even though they found the followers of Jesus strange in some things; they noted how they were known for loving and caring for others.

So...how different might the world, our cities, our neighborhoods, our workplaces, and our churches be if faith communities all over began to take seriously the need to "do good works."

What would it take for this to happen? What would the cost be?

Just something to think about.

In grace and understanding - John