When last we looked at James, he was talking about favoritism. Favoritism that favored the rich and wealthy but left the poor to fend for their own. This is not how ministry to the needy should be. James attacked a common error. We minister to those we like instead of those in need. To that James says that a heart that lacks mercy probably has never known mercy. Christian ministry is focussed on needs, first at the deepest need, the need for salvation, but then at the physical needs. A caring ministry must be that way.

This week James looks at those who would deny the need for a caring ministry based on their confession of faith. I have my own problems to deal with, I have my own needs; who takes care of me; I don't have time to worry about other peoples problems; I'm too busy; I don't have time; I can't be bothered; It's the preachers job; I don't have the skill nor the time to learn it; I'm alone, I can't do it by myself; I don't have the help I need. All excuses come in the same shape and variety. We even feel justified in saying them. We may even believe them. But here is what James is saying. If you think you don't need to take part in a caring ministry towards others then chances are your faith is not real. Christians who have Christ and have faith need to display it to a needy world. To not bother is a sign of a life not touched by grace. What excuses have you used to escape ministry to the needy. I have mentioned but a few. What's your excuse?

James' first statement is that faith that isn't backed up by a caring ministry is dead. What good is faith that merely says, "I love God," but doesn't display itself to the world through caring? Can such a faith save one? No! The answer to both of James' question is meant to be no. False faith has no desire or need to help the needy. Faith needs to be backed up by works. Now how are we supposed to understand this?

Paul in His letters is talking pre-conversion, James is talking post. Prior to conversion, what good do all of our works do? No good. We are saved by Christ alone. All of our good works don't add up to a pinch of goose fat as far as God is concerned. They are all but filthy rags in his sight. The only way to be saved is to come to Christ and understand that it is by His life alone that you can be made right with God. It is not of works. It is Jesus and Jesus alone that we trust in. Nothing else matters.

James is talking post-conversion. He is saying that if we have been touched by the grace of God then we have been changed. We have a heart of mercy, a life that longs to do God's will. If we don't then perhaps we really don't know the saving work of Jesus personally. But if Christ has come in and changed us then we need to act like different people. If Christ hasn't changed us then we can act like we always have. It's that change from being self-centered people to being other-centered people that marks a changed life. Do you have compassion for the needy that is motivated by your love for Christ?

Here is a test: DO WE MINISTER TO THE NEEDY or are we self centered?

We can look at our treatment of other people to judge whether or not our faith is vital. But James gives us a second test for false faith in this passage. False faith has no peace with God. It can't, because it similar to the faith of demons. Can't put it any more blunt than that.

Faith without a caring ministry is dead. Do you want more proof. Look at the demons, or even Satan himself. They believe in God, don't they? Of course they do. In fact if you had a heartfelt talk with any one of them (not advisable) you would find out that there belief in God is unshakable and that their knowledge of theology is perfect. They have known God and walked with him, and observed him, and even lived in his Heaven before they fell away. Demons have the deepest belief in God. Maybe more so than some of us. But they lack two things. The first is a caring ministry. When was the last time you heard of a demon caring someone into heaven? You never will. Demons don't care about people. All they want to do is destroy lives. What is the second?

Learn this and learn this well. They have no peace with God. They shudder at the mere thought of commitment to the almighty. If the demons can believe and remain in hell then men can believe and go there. They have no love for the God they claim to believe in. They do none of his works. In fact they know every way possible to keep away from any kind of commitment to God. There are demons that teach legalism, good works, feeling good about yourself...you name it. But they will never be able to come to the place in their existence when they say I will live for Jesus and Him alone (at least and not mean it.) What about us. Do we claim to love God and believe in Him but we shudder from the thought of commitment in our lives? Do you secretly fear the judgement day? Why do you think that is so? It could be that you are not as committed to God as you should be. What about this. Do you have no fear of the judgement day but you know you are not committed to God? Chances are your faith is bogus. You may be deceived. Faith without works is dead my friend.

It is only by trusting in Christ alone for Salvation and allowing him to become Lord of your life that you can escape the coming judgement. Commit your lives to him for he alone is our hope and salvation. His Spirit will bear witness with our Spirit that we are the children of God. As we take up our caring ministry towards the needy we will find the peace of God which transcends all understanding. When we commit to God we will find peace. Mercy will triumph over judgement.

Here is another test: Have you taken up your cross and followed Christ? Have you committed your life to Jesus? Are you abiding in Christ and enjoying the peace of God? If you can't answer test 1 and 2 with yes, when will you commit to Jesus?

Have you committed your life to Jesus Christ? Have you made Him your lord? Or are you holding out. Are you living a self-centered life with no care about tomorrow? If you are holding out, James has a warning. Even the demons do that. The devil has been holding out on God since the beginning. He never will change, but you can. There is no reason today why your faith and Satan's faith must remain the same. You can make a choice today to start living for God. Don't wait. Today is the day of salvation. Don't put it off another minute. Surrender your life to God. Tell Him that you want to commit to His plan for your life. You're tired of holding out. Give Jesus your heart today.

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