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Use as Directed

Wednesday September 28, 2016

I recently visited my doctor because I had a swollen esophagus. The doctor performed a few tests and determined that the swelling was due to chronic gastritis. He then proceeded to prescribe a specific medication that would heal my condition and that would control the buildup of acid in my digestive system, the acid being the cause for my condition. Upon leaving my doctor’s office, I did some research on the medication he prescribed; I was convinced that this medication would do exactly what the doctor said it would do. I believed in this product. I learned how to use it and I even told others about it. However, there was one problem, I never actually used the product. Now, I ask, can this medicine save me if I do not take it?

 

James 2:14 NIV

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?

 

Typically, when we read the Bible, our tendency is to interpret it out of context. We tend to want to interpret the Bible within our context as opposed to the context in which it was written. For example, during the first century, the word salvation did not have the same theological meaning as it does today. When we speak of salvation, we are usually referring to heaven and hell. When James, however, uses the term salvation, he is using it in a very different context. James speaks of salvation in       the context of every day practicality. James was referring to situations such as: your advice helped save my family, Dwayne Wade saved the game, or my savings helped save me when I lost my job.

 

James is presenting us with this dilemma: If we are Christians on Sunday morning, but between Sunday afternoon and Saturday night, we fail to apply our faith, what we believe on Sunday, can it preserve us during the remainder of the week? Can our Biblical perspective on family and marriage for instance save us if we do not apply it? Can faith concerning finances save us if we do not apply what we know or if we only apply it once a week on Sundays? What James is saying is, that if deeds do not accompany our faith and what we believe, then that type of faith will not preserve us on a daily basis.

 

Many believers find themselves discouraged and defeated because they think that believing in God is enough. They ask themselves, if I believed in Jesus and accepted Him, as my Lord and Savior, then why are my relationships, my health, and my finances in such bad shape? Because, what saves and preserves us daily is not what we believe, what saves and preserves us each day is the application of what it is we believe.

 

As a patient, I came to the realization that visiting my doctor and having the right medication was not enough. I needed to take my medication. Unfortunately, it was not until my condition worsened that I decided to take my medication. After a few days, I began to feel great so I did what most people do; I stopped taking it. Within a few days, I was ill again. As Christians, believing alone will not preserve our lives; the application of our faith is what will save us. In the Christian walk, living out our faith on Sunday mornings will not preserve us. Applying God’s word every day will; it will in our health, finances, and our relationships.