By EDDIE BURCHFIELD / Guest Columnist

I like to grow a garden. I love the smell of newly turned dirt. There is just something special how it all comes together. The plowing, the planting, the fertilizing, the weeding, the watering and then the harvest: There is a lot to do from start to finish with a garden, but there is nothing better than enjoying the veggies you have worked hard to receive.

James 2: 17, 19, 20 and 26: “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone,” “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble,” “But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”

Our Christian walk should be full of faith. This is a fact and there should never be a doubt about it. This faith should never be looked at like some magic potion that will bring results undeserving. God is not a Burger King God that you can have it your way. To expect the kingdom of God to grow, and not put your hands to this faith, is like standing there looking at my garden, and expecting it to magically produce fruit. It will not happen.

Faith without works is dead. Let me make sure I’m clear on this. Your works, without faith, will not save you. I have seen folks come and go. I have seen them shout, pout and walk out, but it is those who stick it out, that make a difference.

Involvement is the key to victory. The kingdom of God is invisible, but the church is not. Romans 14: 17 “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” The church is made up of flesh and blood. We represent an invisible God by the deeds, attitudes, and words we do, and say.

I say it like this: “Your involvement will cause responsibility, and your responsibility will build character, and character counts.”

 

The Rev. Eddie Burchfield is a Pentecostal evangelist with Fresh Fire Ministries. You can reach him at rev.ed@att.net.