While it is true that we can never earn our salvation, true faith will always result in a changed life & good works. True Faith involves a commitment of your WHOLE self to God. Take this scripture into mind;

18 But Someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” (James 2:18, NKJ)

 True faith is more than affirmation, it’s a way of life or a mindset we are fully committed and motivated to follow daily. Our “fruits” in life will be a product of our works to some degree. Consider that God is faithful and rewards those who seek him and are faithful & obedient. When we give our lives to Christ and seek him we automatically benefit from his favor and presence.  Your obedience does not go unnoticed and it positively impacts your character and maturity.   

            What are our “works”? What is obedience to God? Our character is the sum of all our experience or simply just the essence of who we are. I believe we must specifically focus on these five C’s that make up who we are in order to grow and follow Jesus. 

5 C’s of our “Works”.

• Character- Who am I?
• Conversation- What I say?
• Conduct- What I do?
• Contribute- What I give?
• Converts- Who I lead to Him  

 “Thus also faith by itself, if does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:17, NKJ)

We Prove our Love to God by our Obedience: Nothing Else

22“But Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourself. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror. 24 “For he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he says.” (James 1:22-25, NKV)

God’s perfect law gives us freedom. God’s law points out sin in us and gives us the opportunity to ask for forgiveness. Take a look at the scripture below.

7”What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have have known sin except through the law. For I have would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, “You shall not covet”. 9 But sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, produced in me all manner of evil desire. For apart from the law sin was dead. (Romans 7-8., NKV)

As Christians we are saved by God’s grace, and our salivation frees us from sin’s control. We are set free and now we are willingly able to obey God and trust Him with our lives.

Although yes it is important to listen to what God says, remember always that it is much more important to obey it, and strive to do what it says. We must put into action the noble and practical word God has given us in his bible. God’s word is not merely something we read or think about, but something we do. Belief, Faith, & Trust must have hands and feet. Beware of temptation along the way because the devil is constant and it irritates him to see us grow in our relationship with the Lord.

Temptation

Temptation is the devil’s attempt to take our focus and attention away from God & his righteous promises. When temptation occurs don’t dwell on it, or play with it, rather willfully put your mind and focus on God, His word, and His strength. Always flee from temptation 100% of the time. We don’t have to be tripped up by the devil’s tactics. Hold onto God’s promises. He that is in us is greater than he who is in the world.

12Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn by his own desires and enticed.

(James 1:12-14, NKV)

Trust God with all your heart & acknowledge him in all your ways. Be strong & Grind for God! Put your faith to the test and love God under all of life’s trials. Willingly obey and trust God with your life. Remember the five c’s and our “works” when striving to be genuine & sincere. Beware of temptation!!! Be prepared to flee from temptation and always hold onto God’s promises.

He that is in us is greater than he who is in the world,

Frank Molinaro

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