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Friday, March 13, 2009

REAL FAITH GETS ACTIVE

James 2:25-26 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. (NIV)


The Bible can make 'good people' feel uncomfortable. Rahab was a prostitute in Jericho, but, despite her immoral lifestyle, she believed what God was going to do. Because she believed, she also acted to protect the spies who had been sent by Joshua, and did not hand them over to the local officials. She risked her life to do that, but her actions demonstrated that she really did believe what God had said to her (you can read the whole story in Joshua 2:1-20, 6:15, 6:22-23).

You do not need a good track record of pure living and religious observance to find faith in God - otherwise many would have no hope. Jesus invited despised tax collectors, unclean lepers, foreign women and prostitutes to put their faith in Him. Because faith is a whole-person encounter with Jesus, their actions showed that they believed. Anybody, however immoral or criminal can trust Jesus, and find that they are not only welcomed but also forgiven and cleansed. Their real faith will show itself to have arms and legs as well as a heart and a mouth: people will be amazed what they can do with Jesus.

Although we may not like to be conspicuous as a Christian at work, there will be times when we will either stand up for Jesus, or deny the faith we hold. Sometimes you cannot stay anonymous; the circumstances may demand that you must speak or act so that you are clearly identified with Jesus and Biblical truth. By doing so, you may have to risk your reputation, promotion or even your job. But the Bible says, "Those who honour me I will honour, but those who despise me will be disdained" (1 Sam 2:30). So, whenever the Lord allows the test to come - be ready to stand up for Jesus, whatever the cost ... because He will honour you in due time!