I find the State of Missouri and the Bible has something in common. The former is known as the “Show Me State,” and the latter as the “Shew me” Book. James challenges professing Christians of his day to, “Shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works” (James 2:18).
The reformer, Martin Luther, detested James’ little letter, calling it, The Epistle of Straw.” He believed it should have been stricken from the Canon of Scripture. He thought there was a contradiction between Grace and works, not realizing they are friends, not enemies. Good works just naturally follow saving grace. It says in the end-time Book concerning those who have died in the Lord, “Their works do follow them” (Rev.14:13).
Peter tells us when the unregenerate behold our good works, God will be glorified (1Peter2:12). The young preachers Paul sent out were told to admonish those who professed Christ to “maintain good works” (Titus 3:14). You would have been a “rare bird” indeed among those early believers, had you no good works. It is said of Dorcas, “This woman was full of good works.” And after her death we are told, “All the widows stood by him (Peter) weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made while she was with them" (Acts 9:39).
“The course of thy life will speak more for thee than the discourse of thy lips.” (Puritan Saying)
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