JAMES 2:24
As a 5’1” volleyball player, I have found that most people do not look at me and think, She must be a spiker. Even my friends need convincing that I can get my hands above the net. During a game last year, a set came to me, and I simply reacted, sending the ball over the net and into the floor. When the point was recorded, shouts of joy mingled with much surprised laughter as the team’s “Chihuahua” finally justified herself. Justify, according to Webster’s, means 1) to prove or show to be just, right, or reasonable; 2) to qualify (oneself) as a surety by taking oath to the ownership of sufficient property. The reminder “saved through faith in Jesus,” is in every salvation message. After this good news, what often gets tuned out is what James addresses in chapter two. He states the importance of our deeds after we claim faith, clarifying that without actions to back it up, a confession of faith is useless. He is not saying works redeem, but that they justify. They are the tangible testimony of Jesus’ work in our hearts, just as my successful spike was the evidence of many hours of hard work. St. Francis of Assisi challenged, “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary, use words.” Just as believing I could spike never convinced anyone else, simply stating you are a Christian does not usually affect others. High school is one of the most difficult places to live out your faith, and we all make mistakes. But you must always try to live what you believe so that you will leave no doubt about your true faith.
Molly Jo Spateholts, 17 Houghton Christian Academy, Houghton, NY
I don’t want to just talk about faith.
I want to live it so everyone I know will see it.