Doing Good Deeds

While driving in Newnan, I saw a young lady standing on a street corner with a sign asking for help. I stopped and talked with her for a bit. During our conversation, I found out that she had nothing and that her children were hungry. That day I had money in my pocket and gave it to her.

Yes, I know that there are people in the world that scam others and ask for money when they do not need it. However, I am reminded of James 2 when he discusses the virtue of doing good in order to demonstrate our faith. As Christians, it is our place to love one another by fixing our minds on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. (Philippians 4:8)

James states, "...faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless." (James 2:17) Our lives must be dedicated to helping those around us by being Christ-like. To use the contemporary vernacular, we must not only talk the talk but also walk the walk.

Going back to the story of the young lady on the corner, she may have fooled me into believing she needed help. After I gave her the money and left, she may have thought to herself that she fooled another sucker. Yes, I could have been taken by a con artist. I would also say that over time, the Holy Spirit will bring conviction to her heart. She may realize the error of her ways and repent.

Think about what Christ said in the parable of the lost sheep. "And if he finds it [the lost sheep], I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn't wander away!" (Matthew 18:13) I would rather give to someone and pray that if it is not used to feed hungry children, that it bring someone closer to Jesus.

Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works. James 2:26 (NLT)