Faith Without Works Is Like a Screen Door On a Submarine!

You may have heard Rich Mullins 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 book of James in mind, because James makes the same point: faith without works is dead, pointing out that is our good work that defines our Christian life.

James, 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. Faith without works is like a screen door on a submarine; it’s useless.

The measure of our faith is NOT our “talk” — it’s our “walk”. It’s what we are prepared to do. 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.” 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.

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.

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, Laurie 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?