Martin Luther apparently struggled with the book of James, considering it an ‘epistle of straw’ because it talked about faith and works, rather than just faith. I think there is no essential disagreement between James’s words on how faith and works go together and Paul’s teaching on justification by faith. Faith is absolutely crucial and is a gift of God, but it is made visible through the things we do.
The Message version of James 2 brings out what James is saying very clearly. “God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense”, we read in verse 17. “Faith and works, works and faith, fit together hand in glove,” verse 18 tells us. “Faith and works are yoked partners… faith expresses itself in works” (James 2:21) When talking about Abraham’s faith being demonstrated in his willingness to sacrifice Isaac, James says “It’s that mesh of believing and acting that got Abraham named “God’s friend.” Is it not evident that a person is made right with God not by a barren faith but by faith fruitful in works?” (James 2:24) God is looking for a “seamless unity of believing and doing.” (James 2:25)
So the challenge for us is to have faith – seeing things with God’s eyes, understanding life from His perspective, accepting that we live in an upside-down kingdom, as Mark preached on Sunday – and to see that faith outworked in actions. What we believe MUST shape how we live if it’s to have any effect in this world. Actions speak louder than words, the proverb goes, and our faith is effectively seen by those who don’t believe by what we do. Faith is the motivator, but it motivates to action.
Rich Mullins said that faith without works is as useless as a screen door on a submarine. Let’s have that ‘seamless unity of believing and doing’ in our lives.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ajdsm9YmhU