Have you ever thought about what real faith actually looks like? Not just a word you throw around in conversation, but the kind of faith that shapes how you live, love, and hustle every day? The kind that makes you get out of bed on a Monday (with a coffee in hand, obviously) and go for what sets your soul on fire.
But here’s the thing: should faith be blind? Should we just believe without ever acting on it? You’ve probably heard that famous line from James 2:17— “Faith without works is dead.” Yeah, that verse hits hard, right? It’s like God saying, “Cool story, but show me what you’re gonna do with it.”
So, let’s dive into this idea. What does it mean to live out your faith, and why can’t it just be something we hold onto in our hearts without doing the work?
Sarah’s Journey from Belief to Bold Action
Meet Sarah. She was the kind of person who always believed things would get better—whether it was her finances, her job situation, or her relationships. She had all the faith in the world that life would eventually improve.
But there was one problem: Sarah didn’t take any action. She prayed (which is awesome), she journaled her dreams, but she never actually took the steps necessary to change her situation. Her faith? It was passive. And weeks turned into months, and then months into years.
One day, a friend asked her, “Hey Sarah, I know you’ve got faith, but what are you actually doing to move forward?”
Ouch. That stung a little, but it hit home.
That night, Sarah cracked open her Bible and found herself stuck on those five powerful words— “Faith without works is dead.” It was like they were highlighted just for her.
So, she made a choice. She started small. She created a budget, applied for new jobs, and even joined a community service group to meet new people.
And guess what? Her faith came alive. The things she once only hoped for started falling into place—not because she stopped believing, but because she combined her faith with action.
Faith Isn’t Passive—It’s a Full-Body Workout
Imagine if faith were like going to the gym. If you only think about working out but never actually lift a weight or hit the treadmill, will your body change? Nope. All the motivational Instagram posts in the world won’t get you abs if you don’t do the work.
The same thing goes for your spiritual life. Having faith is essential, but it’s not enough to just believe—faith demands action. Every big change, every miracle, every breakthrough happens when belief meets bravery and hard work.
Even spiritual leaders like Mother Teresa knew this. She once said, “Faith in action is love—and love in action is service.” She lived it out by dedicating her life to serving the poor. She didn’t just pray for change; she became the change.
Are You All-In, or Just Kinda In? Faith without works is dead!
If we’re honest, it’s easier to just believe without stepping out. Action is scary. It’s vulnerable. It requires effort. And, let’s be real, it doesn’t always go the way we want.
But ask yourself: What would your life look like if you really lived like “faith without works is dead”? What dreams have you been sitting on, waiting for the “right moment”? Spoiler alert: there’s no such thing as a perfect moment—just moments you decide to act.
Jake’s Leap of Faith
Now, let me tell you about my friend Jake. He was stuck in a soul-sucking job. He hated it but kept telling himself, “I just need to hang on for a little while longer. Something better will come along.”
One day, he was scrolling through quotes (probably while procrastinating at work), and he stumbled across—yep, you guessed it—“Faith without works is dead.” It hit him right in the gut.
Jake realized he wasn’t living in alignment with his faith. So, he did the scariest thing ever: he quit his job without a safety net. Bold, I know. But he didn’t stop there. He poured his energy into launching the business he’d been dreaming about for years. He hustled hard, leaned on his faith, and took action every single day.
Fast-forward two years, and that business is thriving. It wasn’t always easy (there were ramen-noodle weeks for sure), but his faith, paired with relentless action, carried him through.
What Action Looks Like in Real Life
So, how do we live this out? If you’re like me, sipping on a mocha with a cat snuggled in your lap while contemplating your next move, here are a few ideas:
- Take Inventory of Your Dreams
What have you been believing for but not acting on? Write it down. - Make a Plan
Faith in action requires a roadmap. You don’t have to figure it all out today, but take the first step. - Get Accountable
Share your goals with someone who’ll lovingly call you out when you’re slipping. - Pray, but Also Move
Pray with faith, and then step out boldly. God meets us in our movement.
The Ultimate Question: Should Faith Be Blind?
Blind faith has its place—like trusting in things you can’t see or control. But if we’re talking about living a life of purpose, faith without works is dead. Blind faith alone won’t move mountains, but faith paired with action? That’s where the magic happens.
So, the next time you’re waiting for something to change, ask yourself: Am I living out my faith, or am I sitting back hoping life will magically shift on its own?
Remember, your faith was never meant to be a cozy belief you hold onto while binging Netflix (no shame, I’ve done it). It’s meant to drive you, inspire you, and push you toward something bigger than yourself.
What’s Your Next Step?
I’m curious—what’s one thing you’ve been holding onto that needs a little action behind it? What dream or goal have you been waiting on? Drop it in the comments! Let’s inspire each other to take those next steps.
And remember: faith without works is dead. So, let’s bring our faith to life!
Now, excuse me while I refill my mocha and snuggle my cat, Himmy. He’s giving me that “you’ve been writing too long” stare. 😻
Your turn—how will you live out your faith today?
