In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
James 2:17
Signs across the earth are blinking “Code Red.” The weather is raging, systems are changing, alliances are shifting, and powers are aligning for good and for evil. Are you prepared for what’s coming? It is true that victory is in God’s hands, but it is also true, that God has clarified his process for victory. It goes like this, “If his people will…then he will….” God in his mercy invites all who fear and revere him into this process that leads to victory. What mercy!
In elementary school, I excelled academically. It did not take much for me to take the top position in class. After a while, I began to take this academic giftedness for granted. But when I entered high school, I discovered that there were smarter kids out there. If I was going to excel, I had to develop and follow a process. My process was simple: Listen attentively in class, take good notes, do the homework, study regularly and be disciplined (hydrate, eat well, exercise and get enough sleep). Then wake up and do it all over again. The process served me well.
Fortunately, our faith walk is not a competition against others. It is a relationship with God that requires discipline as we continue to mature in him. Salvation is the gift that God offers us. But sometimes we take this gift for granted. The apostle James reminds us that faith without works is dead (James 2:17; 26). True faith is seen in godly living and godly living takes practice. How then do we attain a disciplined life? How do we prepare for what lies ahead? Let me suggest some ways:
· Self-Denial: Luke 9:23 says: “Take up your cross daily and follow him.” We all must learn to surrender to his will and his way.
· Consistency: Philippians 2:12 says: “…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” We are called to walk daily as true disciples of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Disciples who understand that the process of becoming like Christ takes constant discipline. It is a daily growing relationship with our Father.
· Encouraging Others: Paul says in Hebrews 3:13, “As long as it is called today encourage one another so that none of you of you may hardened by sins deceitfulness.” There are no lone rangers on this path, we are all in it together; one community, one baptism, one Spirit, one faith.
But a disciplined life without love is legalism. God’s word commands us to love God and love our neighbor. This is how we will overcome the forces that are bearing down on earth’s inhabitants. Through the help of the Holy Spirit this process will lead to God’s promised victory. So, dear brethren, let us pursue love and the disciplined life, and let us stay ready, so that there will be no need to get ready when the test begins. Are you prepared? AMEN.