Read: James 2:18-19

Apparently when James talks about how our friendship with God makes a difference to us that makes a difference to the world, especially to people with needs, he sometimes gets an argument.

There are those who maintain that our relationship with God - faith, and the good things we do - deeds, are separate things. And James rebuttal is: we are talking about different kinds of faith.

There is faith that is purely intellectual. It is stuff we muse and banter over with a glass of wine at the end of a good meal. It makes no difference to us, nor the world around us.

Then there is faith that changes us - our relationship with the living God who melts the armour around our hearts and makes us think of others other than ourselves. This kind of faith finds expression in the way we respond with kind acts and compassion to the brokenness we see around us. It is "real" faith because it makes a real difference to people who are in trouble.

James asks, "what good is knowledge about God if it doesn't make any difference to who we are or how we live?" That's no better than the devil, he says, who knows God exists, fears God, but does no good in the world.

Write
Think about your faith story: how has your relationship with God found expression in the way you behave in your relationships?

In what ways you seperate your relationship with God and how you behave in relationship with others? What areas of your life do you exclude God's influence from?

What relationship is God using to challenge how you integrate God's values into all of your life?

Pray
What is God saying to you today?

Talk to God about the level of integration between your values and beliefs and your behaviour. How does it feel to see the ways God has made a difference to who you are, and how you behave?

Talk to God about the areas in your life he wants to influence. Ask him for the wisdom and courage to let him in, and the honesty to want something different.

Pray for the relationship God is using to show you how you can be different. Ask God what values and behaviours are being challenged.

Pray for a fresh experience of God's love, grace and mercy as you experience greater integration in your life between your beliefs and your behaviour, and as you celebrate the good God is doing through you.