faith and works: a co-dependent relationship

"You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected."  James 2:22

This "faith and works" passage in James is familiar to most Christians.  We've all learned that faith without works is useless (2:20) since such a faith hardly inspires others to believe or to kindle a life-changing relationship with our Heavenly Father ("can that faith save him?" v. 14).

But this week God showed me a different spin on this passage.  I always saw it as faith being dependent on works, meaning our faith really isn't mature until we allow it to manifest itself in our works.  This viewpoint is still as true as ever, but really, faith and works are co-dependent.  Works depend on faith just as much as faith depends on works.

The fact is, practicing works usually requires faith from us, especially in difficult situations.  Choosing to worship when you feel despondent, choosing to give to the poor when your bank account is running on empty, even choosing to read your Bible when you're dead-tired are all works that require faith.

When we carry out a faith-based work, we inspire others and point them to the One who placed that work upon our hearts.  And by doing that work, we exercise the very faith it takes to carry it out.

Faith is perfected through our works (v. 22).  Carrying out those works prevents our faith from being useless, or worse, dead (vs. 17 and 26).  Faith and works build upon each other; they make each other stronger and more lasting.  Faith requires works, and works require faith.  We can't have one without the other.