I’ve decided to begin a spiritual series that will be available every Thursday. I’m doing this because I have a great need and passion for my God. He’s been in my life, ever present, since as long as I can remember. My faith comes from my family, my church, my struggles, and my accomplishments.
At an early age, I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. While I didn’t know what that meant entirely; I knew I had to be obedient and I had to pray. In my youth, I understood the cross Jesus had to bear. I knew and understood the passion of Christ and I comprehended that Jesus died for the world and for my sins. Now that I’ve reached young adulthood, my thirst for Jesus, has matured in a sense.
Rightfully so, Jesus now demands more of me. And my faith has called me to act. I don’t want to just know about the word. I want to live the word. I don’t just want to know about Jesus, I want to be on of his disciples. I don’t just want to attend church. I want to serve.
In seeking to do so, I’ve surrounded myself more and more with the word, I formed part of an adult youth group at my church, and I do Bible study session with my boyfriend. Everyday, I’m learning more and more about God and his will for me.
This week, my study with Micah (my boyfriend), took me to examine my “holy habits.”
I have a lot of habits: I wash my face every morning, I clean my room every other day, and I read the news, ect. but am I truly living a life of spirituality? Is my faith really built on action?
14 My brothers and sisters, if people say they have faith, but do nothing, their faith is worth nothing. Can faith like that save them?” 15 A brother or sister in Christ might need clothes or food. 16 If you say to that person, “God be with you! I hope you stay warm and get plenty to eat,” but you do not give what that person needs, your words are worth nothing. 17 In the same way, faith that is alone– that does nothing– is dead.
In James 2:14-17, our faith has to have meaning, Jesus expects us (me) to act. But, how can I do this? For one, I have to hold myself accountable. I have to create “holy habits,” in order to hold myself responsible for my active faith. By doing this, our “self” changes attitude for the positive. Yes it draws us closer to God because that’s what we want, but it overall makes us, literally people of good faith. Practicing our faith, humbles us and prepares us for the future. Creating holy habits is just that, preparing us for Jesus’ return.
18 Someone might say, “you have faith, but I have deeds.” Show me your faith without doing anything, and I will show you my faith by what I do. 19 You believe there is one God. Good! But the demons believe that, too, and they tremble with fear.
James continues to prompt us to act more. Through this reading, I understand that Jesus is pleased with our faith, but he challenges us to apply our faith into action. Why then is having faith and believing not enough? I believe that because we are called to follow. The road to following Jesus isn’t easy, but God’s repayment is worth anything valuable on this Earth.
Here is a list of Holy Habits I plan to implement in my life. Create your own list and let the Holy Spirit move in you.
- Pray daily (often)
- Listen to Christian music
- Get further involved at church
- Help the poor, the homeless, the needy (especially during the holidays)
- Do more Bible Study sessions (fill myself with the word)
I really enjoyed this post. I, too, have been finding myself more involved in pursuing my faith and a relationship with God/Christ. This is great food for thought. Prayers for your success in your missions. I’m currently finding where I fit in, whether I’m happy in the church I grew up in, or with something different, or if that even needs to be defined! It’s been exciting and I’m finding myself listening to Christian music everyday! It’s so crazy, 6 months ago I never would have foreseen myself so passionate about immersing myself in faith, but here I am giving it a shot! Thanks, again, for sharing this!
Ashley, thank you for reading my post. I’m glad you’re excited about filling yourself with the word. I too get excited when I learn something new. Giving your faith a shot is so fulfilling and I’m sure you’ve come to find that it also brings you great peace. God is with you. Thanks again for reading. This means a lot to me.