James 2:15-17

"If a brother or a sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone."
James 2:15-17


I like this scripture.  I think that this is a huge theme in the scriptures, and in our lives.  Over and over we learn what it means to serve God.  As this scripture shows us, it absolutely does *not* mean that we just believe in him and think that he is a nice guy.  Words are powerful, but without actions to back them up, they are empty.  We talk big sometimes... I do, in the scripture of the day.  But what do I *do* to show my faith and belief in my everyday life?  This is a question that needs an answer, because our beliefs alone aren't going to be reviewed in the day of judgement, but also how we put those beliefs into practice in our lives.  We have to learn how to apply the gospel to everything that we do.  Every hour of every day we have an opportunity to do some good.  Let's take it.  Let's find a way to make our lives into what we want them to be, with God's guidance.  It might be a really tough thing to do... but in the end, won't it be worth it?  To actually realize your dreams instead of just dreaming them?  In our own lives, as well as the lives of others, we need to put our words and our beliefs and our faith into action.  What we can do could be simple or dramatic, but whatever the appropriate action, it is a step in the right direction.  For instance.... last night I was talking to a friend about the proposed school voucher system.  I have argued it up and down in many of my past education classes, but last night was the first time that I seriously considered another viewpoint.  Hmm.  So... whether we get that thoughtful moment from a friend, from God, from reading a book or watching a movie... does it remain a thought?  Or does it inspire something more?  It is those moments, those questions in our lives that can spur us on to action and discovery.    When the gospel makes you think, do you only think, or do you open up the scriptures and find more?  When you have a question about a world event, do you just talk, or do you do some research?  When you have a hole in your life, do you just talk emptiness, or do you search for something to fill the void?  God promises us answers, but he requires us to ask.  God promises us solutions, but he requires us to work.  All the knowledge of the universe is out there waiting... but we have to go out and get it.  When we pass someone on the street who needs food, all the talk and the prayers and the surface kindness aren't going to fill the person's need.  When we combine our prayers with actions, when we add actions to the talk, when we act on our kindness... that is what makes a difference.