Which Wing?

So often I hear it, I read it, and wrestle with it. Faith without works is dead. Then the discussion ensues, or my mind glosses over it. Duh, got it, try and live it. We had such discussion in one of the Bible Studies I attended her in Michigan. And then it hit me like a ton of blocks (yes, I have moved and installed more than a ton of blocks as I work on my mother-in-law's home here).

Jas 2:17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

I have had the wrong focus on this verse all along!! You see, all of this is done by God living in and through me. I cannot 'faith' and while I can do works, good and evil, it is only the good works, accomplished by God through me, that brings life to me and others. This verse is demands our surrender, full surrender, to the leading of Christ in and through us. No faith and the best action is of little use and dead. Active faith and no action is also dead.  All the 'good things' I do for others is dead,  unless in the eternal kingdom unless God Himself directs me to do and live. Eternal life, eternal faith, eternal works are of and by only God. He is the one to breathe life into us, into our doings, into the hearts of others.

A good friend of mine (Ken Ture) and great Biblical scholar once said that Christians often argue the point of faith and works trying to interpret what is 'useful' for the believer. His explanation makes good sense...'Arguing about which is more important (faith or deeds) is like asking the question "Which wing on an airplane is more important than the other?"' Can an airplane fly with only one wing? Uh, no.

So faith and deeds are equally essential for the believer to fly in the kingdom of God. The question is not which wing is essential for flight.  To argue this point is absurd! The question should be, is God alive, doing in faith and deeds through us each day? He gives us the faith. He asks of us to do, and do as He leads. It is then when our lives will have a huge impact for Christ, with Christ and in His kingdom. We should want Him to be the pilot, while flying as His copilot toward eternity.  We must be willing to land the plane gathering more and more passengers to take with us on the trip toward heaven.

In whom does your faith rest?   What are you compelled to do in response?  Are your accomplished works of eternal value?  Can we participate in making a difference lasting longer than today?