JAMES DAY 20 - What Good Is it?

DAY 20
WHAT GOOD IS IT?
1 John 3:16-18

Faith is no good if it does no good for others. 

That’s the startling, simple truth from James. Jesus never imagined his followers privately enjoying religious activities that do not positively affect people in need. Jesus told the apostles, “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34). 1 John 3 plainly questions the faith of anyone who ignores the material needs of a fellow Christian (1 John 3:17), just like James.

If that’s true, then James leaves us with this question: What good does your faith do? Each of us could answer for ourselves: what good does my faith do? But that might be too easy. Instead, what if we asked the people around you? 

How would the people closest to you answer about you? For many of us, the people closest are our families. Husbands, wives: what good does your faith do your spouse? Parents, what good does your faith do your kids? What good does it do your own parents?

Kids and teens: what good does your faith do your parents? Your siblings? The other kids at school? Your teachers?

What about your church family, your brothers and sisters in Christ who worship beside you? What good does your faith do them?

What about your coworkers? What about the people you work beside? Or the people who oversee you? Or the people who work under you? What good does your faith do them? Does your faith in Jesus Christ tangibly improve their lives?

What about your next-door neighbors? What about the needy of Champaign County? If they knew you are a follower of Jesus Christ, what good would they say your faith does them?

I challenge you to do three things. 

First, imagine what tangible good you could do for one of those people close to you. What’s it look like? What tangible, measurable, achievable good could you do of those people this week?

Second, tell someone else today, “I’m going to do something good for my wife/son/worker/neighbor.” Telling someone builds a little accountability.  

Third, do good. 

Faith is no good if it does no good for others. What good does your faith do?

REFLECT
Think through today’s challenge and take action.

PRAY
Lord, following you is not about private religious feelings or devotion. Christian faith does good for other people around me. Open my eyes to others and their needs. Spur me to action. Amen.