May 19, 2025

DEAD FAITH

James 2:17

Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

Personal Challenge

Atrophy is a terrible thing. What do I mean by that? Let’s start with the definition of atrophy from Websters.

1. decrease in size or wasting away of a body part or tissue
2. arrested development or loss of a part or organ incidental to the normal development or life of an animal or plant
3. a wasting away or progressive decline

If we, those who proclaim to be followers of Christ, are not doing His works, then they are in the state of atropy, or wasting away. No works that we do because of our faith and because of the work of Jesus, then no life. Now I know, there will be many who say that we are not saved by works. That is correct, but because we are saved by the work of Jesus, we do His works. What are those works? Let’s see what Jesus says…

Matthew 25:34-40

“Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’

“Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’

“And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’”

Jesus is very clear, if we love Him, if we follow Him, we will do His works. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, the sinner!