While reading through the book of James the other day, I found myself wrestling with this particular verse:

"In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." 

James 2:17

Many times throughout my walk with Christ I have heard sermons and messages that say, "All Christ asks of us is to believe." I don't know about you, but that's seems pretty easy. If that's the key to eternal life, then this whole Christianity thing is going to be walk in the park. Unfortunately, there was a part of me that thought this way, and for those who may still believe this, SPOILER ALERT: it's not that simple. 

Many ask why is faith not enough? Or, why aren't my deeds enough? Why isn't my personal relationship with Christ enough?

The first time I read this passage, I was asking the same questions. Then I was reminded of this really great analogy that really helped me comprehend what James is talking about. 

Throughout scripture the analogy of God being the potter and we being the clay is used. This meaning that when we give our lives to Him, He will mold us and make us new. The way a potter makes a pot is to put the clay on a spinning table and form it as it turns. It is much more difficult for the potter to mold the clay when it is sitting still and complacent. The same goes for our relationship with Him. God can best mold us in the people He wants us to be when we are turning our faith in action and constantly striving to grow closer to Him. 

Do we need to have faith? Yes, but like James says, what good is faith without deeds. How are you spreading the kingdom of God by sitting alone and not doing the works He has commanded us all to do? We must be acting to continue to spread the kingdom of God as well as build our own relationship with our savior Jesus Christ.

It seems as though the laziness of our society has carried over into our relationship with God. So many of us look at our faith the same way we do a diet, "What's one quick and easy thing I can do to get results I want?" Our faith has become the same thing. We try to find the one quick and easy thing that will please God enough that He will bless us and one day grant us eternal life. It's not just about praying more. It's not just about reading the Bible more. It's not just about doing more community service. It's about doing all these things and finding balance between them all. 

Seem a little overwhelming? Don't worry, you're not alone. It's not easy living a Christ-like life, it's a battle everyday. Jesus warned us from the start that we will be persecuted and hated because of him, but thankfully that's not where the story ends, for James also writes:

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."

James 1:12

Stay faithful to God, and turn that faith into action. 

Noah and his family have some crazy faith.
13 So God said to Noah, "I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth. 14 So make yourself an ark ........

A ya okay whatever God that sounds a bit harsh....Hmmm...He is actually serious about this. Think about what would go through your head if you were Noah. There had to be definite periods of doubting God. But you go through with it and build an ark. Then all these animals just start calmly showing up and line up to hop in with you. Noah believes and acts in faith. He probably had to sacrifice like all of his wages and resources to build such a big boat.