What Do Our Works Show?

          Martin Luther famously described the Book of James as a "an epistle full of straw, because it contains nothing of the gospel." OK, tell us what you really think! This, of course, made me curious about Martin Luther and why he felt so grumpy about a perfectly wonderful book of scripture, and I was interested to read about his background as an over-zealous monk. Determined to be the most obedient monk on the planet, he nearly killed himself with fastings, vigils, and self-denial. His epiphany about grace while reading Paul's letters to the Romans and to the Galatians caused him to swing the pendulum the other direction, and to get positively rabid about anything that sounded like it overlooked Christ's saving power in favor of, well, fastings, vigils and self-denial. So James, with his practical suggestions on how to live a Christian life, sounds all wrong to him because he doesn't say much about that grace that had become the life line for Martin Luther. But it's all in there. James simply pre-supposes that we have "felt to sing the song of redeeming love," and now need a little instruction on how to retain that remission of our sins. Really, Martin should cheer up and cut him some slack.

          The whole discussion about grace and works can become counter-productive. C.S. Lewis resolves the whole issue in one sentence: "Christians have often disputed as to whether what leads the Christian home is good actions, or Faith in Christ. I have no right really to speak on such a difficult question, but it does seem to me like asking which blade in a pair of scissors is most necessary.”

So rather than beat that same old drum, we focused instead on what our works show. James says, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faithwithout your works, and I will show you my faith by my works." (James 2:14-15 NKJV) Obviously we are all busy doing something every day, and the things we do show where our faith is centered. Faith in Christ leads to certain actions, and faith in money leads to others, and faith in social progression or ambition leads to others, etc. Each day brings a series of decisions with it. Where will we spend our precious time? How will we use our allotment of energy and money and influence? What we choose to do each day shows where our faith lies.

          Making these choices can be perplexing, and we had a good discussion about how we learn to balance all of the competing demands on us. One sister shared how, in a time of illness, she prayed every day to know the most important thing she could get done with the very limited energy she had. Invariably the answer was to gather her children around her for scripture study and prayer. Another shared the idea that taking time for personal study (such as our class) was good, only if she then shared what she gained with her family. Taking time for ourselves is important, but the point is to have something to share at the end of that fulfilling time.

          James offers us some of the great scriptural gems, including the verse that sent young Joseph Smith out into the grove: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." (James 1:5) As I read this familiar verse I was struck by the fact that it is usually what we lack that sends us to our knees in prayer. God does not reproach us for that though; he stands ready to give us whatever we are able to receive. Though Martin Luther nearly killed himself with diligence, he felt empty and unhappy, and that put him in a place to receive God's guidance. His reformation was a great step forward for faithful Christians. Joseph Smith felt uneasy about the religious options available to him. He lacked wisdom, and his simple question to God, "Which church should I join?" opened the heavens. 

          So maybe we shouldn't be so angry with ourselves about what we lack, whether it is talent, or perspective, or even a sunny disposition. God uses us just the way we are, and hopes that we will recognize what we lack and go to Him for help. Looking at what happened to Martin and Joseph, it makes you wonder what wonderful things might be in store if we have the courage to do so.