How Faith Works #7 – Action

Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Faith is taking the first step even when you can’t see the whole staircase.”

Faith is not just some ethereal idea floating around in space.

Faith is an action word, not just talk. Real faith is active, not passive. James says bluntly, “Faith without deeds is dead” (James 2:26).

Faith takes a stand. Faith makes a move. Faith speaks up. Faith does something. Faith obeys what God has said. If it’s not expressed in action, it’s not faith.

A military unit might advance against an enemy with some caution. But when an order is given, they must march forward. Wavering or hesitating could result in their own defeat. Being willing to advance into a dangerous situation and overcome an enemy is their strength.

When Peter walked on the water, it was too late to feel his way out onto the water. It was too late to resort to swimming. He must either walk on water or sink. When he did try to swim, he sank. Yet when he kept his eyes on Jesus, he did walk on water.

Hebrews 11 tells us how ordinary God followers displayed an uncommon faith in God and displayed their faith in action. “This is what the ancients were commended for” (Hebrews 11:2).

This is what you are commended for. Real faith shows itself in action.

Our faith can be expressed in small ways. God calls us to “be kind and compassionate to one another,” for example (Ephesians 4:32). That might mean doing a simple household chore for a tired spouse. Or helping a confused customer finds the right item for their need. Or coming alongside a coworker who needs help but is afraid to ask.

Our faith can be expressed in bigger ways too: Leaving familiar surrounding for a new job or ministry. Giving sacrificially when your own future is uncertain. Loving a difficult person with no expectation of return. Sharing your faith journey with a skeptic. Challenging a coworker about some unethical practice. Trusting God when you don’t know what will happen next.

Real faith works its way out in practical ways.

Martin Luther King Jr. also said: “If you can’t fly, run. If you can’t run, walk. If you can’t walk, crawl. But by all means, keep moving.”

What step of faith is God calling you to take?

~ Pastor Dave