The Lenten season is often manifested in personal action as individuals make commitments to deprive themselves of something that will be proof of their dedication to a more Christ-like way of living. I wonder if such personal deprivation is indication of genuine discipleship, or simply another act of self-centeredness that does little to further the cause of Christ, either in that individual's life or in the world around them.
James reminds us in our text today that faith means nothing apart from action. Now, one might say that he or she is acting in faith by depriving him or her self of soft drinks, television, french fries, or a thousand other things one might deem worthy of sacrificing during the season of Lent. James, however, has a different understanding of sacrifice that recognizes the need of the world around him, and then acts to meet that need. Applying this understanding of faith to the Lenten journey, it then becomes less and less about me and what I give up, and more and more about what I am willing to do to care for someone else in Jesus' name.
I certainly couldn't argue that giving up french fries is a bad thing, but embracing the cross of Christ is so much more than a seasonal "sacrifice". Jesus told his disciples in Luke 9:23, "If any one would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me." Confession and repentance require an inward look, but the purpose of such action is to be renewed and restored before God, thus to be empowered to love, give, and serve in Jesus' name.
James writes, "My brothers and sisters, if people say they have faith, but do nothing, their faith is worth nothing." The cross of Christ compels us to do more than curb our veracious appetites for tempting things...the cross calls us to follow Jesus. So, think during these days about living beyond the "do-nothing faith" that James condemns here...think about doing something for someone else in the name of Jesus. That is a Lenten gift worth sharing.
Jim Abernathy
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