" . . . I will shew thee my faith by my works." James 2:18
Only God can see "faith" in the heart of man. People see our faith only by our works. Faith is like a seed planted in the ground. It is hidden from view but if it is a living seed it will soon manifest itself by pushing its stalk up through the soil for all to see. We may talk about our "faith" from morning till night without results, but when that faith works, men must recognize it.
Out of the war comes a story of faith in action. A godly chaplain in the army found a dying soldier on the battlefield, and being anxious about his salvation he took out his Bible and said, "Shall I read a portion of Scripture to you?" But the soldier replied, "No sir, I am thirsty and need a drink of water." At the risk of his own life, amid bursting shells, the chaplain went in search of water and having found some, gave it to the wounded man. Then he asked again, "Shall I read some Scripture to you?" But the man replied, "No thank you, I am so cold, I am almost freezing." The chaplain removed his own coat and wrapped it about him, and once more asked with shivering body and chattering teeth, "Now may I read to you?" Again the reply was "No sir, I am too uncomfortable on this rough ground." The chaplain gently lifted him up and placed him across his knees with his head in his arms and once more asked the same question. "Yes sir," he replied, "for if what you are going to read can make a man willing to risk his life like this to ease a dying stranger, I want to hear about it!" And there on the battlefield he was told about Jesus who died that we might live.
This is the Gospel in action. It is what the world is waiting for today! Amid the clamor of religious cant the world is looking for a cup of cold water in the Master's name. Faith without works is dead.
"Bread For Each Day"
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