You may have heard our music group sing the song, “Screen Door on a Submarine.” Part of it goes like this:
Faith without works is like a song you can’t sing, it’s about as useless as a screen door on a submarine.
Rich Mullins wrote that song with this morning’s scripture in mind, because James makes the same point: faith without works is dead, noting that works is what defines a Christian life. There are those who read this scripture and say, “What about the Apostle Paul’s belief that we’re saved by faith through grace?” We can’t work our way into heaven; it’s only through faith. In support of this, Martin Luther said, “The most damnable heresy that has ever plagued the mind of man was the idea that somehow he could make himself good enough to deserve to live with an all-holy God.”
So, which is it: faith or works? Paul or James? First we have to understand the context within which each of these men wrote. Paul was writing to non-Christians who believed they could work their way into heaven. If they maintained the proper ordinances, followed the script, and did the “right” thing, they were guaranteed a place with God. Paul was attempting to undo this belief by offering God’s grace, the idea that we can do nothing to earn God’s favor. He loves us, and when we come to faith in his son Jesus Christ, God’s grace showers down upon us.
James, on the other hand, was writing to Christians, those who had already come to faith in Jesus Christ. The tone of his letter is one of irritation. He’s asking them questions about Abraham and Rahab, almost sarcastically, with a don’t-you-get-it type of attitude. In speaking to fellow-believers, James was pointing out that faith and works do not stand in opposition to one another. It is only through works that faith can prove and demonstrate itself; and it is only through faith that works will be attempted and accomplished. Faith is bound to overflow into action and action begins only when someone has faith in some great cause or principle, which God has presented him or her with.
I remember about three years ago, when I began floating the idea of starting a Wednesday night program; a meal followed by Bible studies and activities. My main concern was what we would provide for our children. I didn’t want it to be a baby-sitting time; it needed to be a time of instruction and growth. I asked Debbie Williams and Katie Alfano to join me for a brainstorming session. Debbie suggested that we move mission friends to Wednesday nights for the preschoolers, and Katie said, “As much I’ve been trying to say “No,” God is leading me to start a children’s choir.”
That was one of the easiest and most productive brainstorming sessions I’ve been a part of. It is also a picture perfect example of Katie’s faith overflowing into works. Faith had to be in place for her to have an understanding that God was leading her, and it was only through works that the ministry has evolved into what it is today.
Faith without works is like a screen door on a submarine; it’s useless. When I have a headache or a sore back, I take Ibuprofin to feel better. Faith without works would be like my going to the medicine cabinet, pulling out the Ibuprofin, believing that it will make me feel better, looking at the bottle and putting it back. Believing that it will make me better, but not putting that belief into action, does me no good. That is James’ point. What good is your faith if your not putting it into practice?
This past Wednesday we held our quarterly business meeting. The main item of business was the presentation of our 2002 budget. Marge Wolfrey made a wonderful presentation on behalf of the finance committee, as to their diligent work in bringing forth both a realistic and a faith-based budget. There was absolutely no discussion and it passed unanimously. We’ve stepped out in faith with a budget that reflects the mission and ministry of this church, but if that faith is not followed with works, it too will be dead; meaning if the approval of our budget- the faith- is not followed by each person’s increased financial commitment- the works- it is useless.
James has made a strong statement, challenging the people to live out what they profess. That’s our challenge. A few weeks ago, I came across a statement in a book that says: “If you don’t live it, you don’t truly believe it.” If you don’t live it, you don’t believe it.
If you say you’re a Christian, but you’re a gossip, are you living it? If you profess to be a Christian, but you have racist beliefs, are you living it? If you say you believe, but don’t love your neighbor, are you living it?
That’s our challenge. So how do we live it? How do we make James’ challenge a reality? I’d like to suggest two things. First, you’ve got to enter into a relationship with God whereby you can expand and deepen your relationship through worship and Bible study.
Think of the Scriptures as an accurate map. A map tells you how to get to a certain place. But just looking at a map won’t automatically take you there. Getting to your destination means you have to make the effort…pay the cost…take the time for travel…stay at it until you arrive. In a word, persevere.
So it is in the Christian life of deepening your faith, which leads to works. God’s map is reliable and available. It is also clear and direct, but there is no hocus-pocus in its pages that automatically sends you to your destination. The Bible’s trustworthy truths are of immeasurable value, but you can’t rub it on yourself three times a day hoping that the next morning you will suddenly know and experience all its truths.
God does not offer a formula that produces fully mature Christians overnight. Christian growth comes through hard-core, gutsy perseverance of applying what you hear. It is by developing that type of commitment to growing your faith that works will be delivered.
I read of a circuit-riding preacher who entered one church building with his young son, and dropped a coin into the offering box in the back. Not many came that Sunday, and those who did weren’t too excited about what was said. After the service, the preacher and son walked to the back, and he emptied the box. Out fell one coin. The young boy said, “Dad, if you’d have put more in, you’d have gotten more out!” The same applies to our study of scripture; the more you put in, the more you get out.
The second way to prepare yourself to live out James’ challenge is to discover your gifts, get involved and use them. Scripture tells us that we have each been blessed with gifts from the Holy Spirit. Some folks say, “Oh, I can’t teach,” or “I can’t lead that.” That’s okay. We’re not gifted in the same way, which is a good thing, because we need multiple talents and abilities in this church. Yes, we need teachers, and yes, we need leaders, but we also need people to do other things: hand out bulletins, visit shut-ins, and help out with odd jobs. The body of Christ has many parts, and I implore you to discover where it is you fit in this body. If you’re unsure, Bert and I would be happy to help guide you in that process. As James points out, believing in the body and showing up is not enough. What are you doing as an active, lively part of the body?
Ed McManus is editor of “The Jokesmith” newsletter. He put out a booklet of humor about folks in human resources called, What is a Human Resource? In it he explains how people get assigned to particular jobs.
He puts it this way. You leave them in a conference room for four hours, then, you go back to see what they’re doing. If they don’t look up when you enter the room, assign them to the Security Department. If they’re counting the butts in the ashtray, put them in Finance. If they’ve taken the table apart, put them in Engineering. If they’re screaming and waving their arms, send them off to Manufacturing. And if they’ve left early, put them in Sales.
Discovering spiritual gifts is not handled in this manner, but the desired result is to place believers in a position where they can maximize their giftedness and usefulness in God’s kingdom. Bert is organizing a Bible study group entitled “Experiencing God.” The premise behind this study is to heighten your awareness of God’s involvement in and around your life. Commit yourself to focusing on God’s word, whereby you can discover the works he wants you to join him in accomplishing.
We’re also planning a mission trip to Panama this summer, and a multitude of gifted people will be needed. You may be thinking, “Mission trip. I’m not an evangelist. I can’t preach.” On this mission trip, you presence is the sermon. We need people who can help build a church, so if you can push a wheelbarrow or carry boards or mix concrete or know construction, we can use you. God can use you. We also believe there will be opportunities for medical missions and that musical talents can be utilized. There’s a need for caring, giving, compassionate people.
These are the types of works that are brought about through faith commitments. Faith and works don’t stand in opposition to each other. Faith and works represent two sides of your experience with God. No one will ever be moved to action without faith, and no one’s faith is genuine unless it moves you to action.
I’ll leave you with a quote by Billy Graham, who had this to say about faith and works and their relationship to each other: "There really is no conflict between faith and works. In the Christian life they go together like inhaling and exhaling. Faith is taking the Gospel in; works is taking the Gospel out."
We don’t need any screen doors on this submarine. Amen.
