This is an often quoted piece of scripture. It is even quoted by those who believe that works are not necessary for salvation. For those people it means that they have to put their faith to work or it isn't really alive.
It is scripture, and seems pretty clear - how can a person argue.
So, here's my problem - for awhile now, it is pretty clear to me that I'm not to "do" anything. I've fought against this often but God keeps bringing me back to not doing anything. I've had a good friend tell me that I should serve in some way, that it would help me get out of my struggle with loneliness and depression. It is a very commonly accepted way of overcoming depression and the self-focus that is caused by and causes depression. And, yet - I get a very strong impression that God doesn't want me to do anything. It didn't make sense.
Today, I got the answer to why. It's simple really. It is about a overcoming the performance mentality. Doing what is right is very, very deeply ingrained in me. And, God wants to tear it out. Performance mentality means that I need to perform to be loved, belong or be accepted. And, God wants me to know that I don't need to perform, or do, or serve or anything at all before I belong, love or am accepted by Him. He always loves (everyone all the time). Belonging to Him and being accepted by Him comes when I accepted Jesus.
"Faith without works is dead."
Faith without believing that I am unconditionally, loved, accepted and belonging is NOT Faith. Me believing those things to my innermost being is more important to God than anything I can do. Until I get it - He won't let me do anything.
Works without true faith is useless. It may help people feel better about themselves, feel like they belong, and that they are loved by those they serve and those who serve with them. But, none of those things have eternal value.
So, here is a challenge - do nothing. Try it. See how you feel. Does God still love you ? Do people still love you ? Does your church still appreciate you ? Do you still belong ? You can say "Yes" to all those questions now, but until you try it and explore how you feel when you do - you will never truly know.
