Rev. Aaron Long: A Faith That Works
A Faith That Works
I’ve been thinking lately about how many folks claim to be Christians, talk about it a lot, and yet their lives look no different from the world around them. This isn’t about conservative or liberal, traditional or progressive. It’s about how, for too many, our faith is easier to spot in our political party or social circle than in our obedience to Christ.
James says, “Show me your faith, and I’ll show you my faith by my works.” He’s not fighting with Paul or claiming salvation by works. He’s saying faith leaves fingerprints. What you truly believe shows up in how you live, how you walk through this world.
Christianity isn’t a political brand; it’s an all-consuming belief that transforms from the inside out. It’s saying, “God, I’ve messed up. I’ve sinned. I’ve fallen short. I’ve dug a hole and can’t climb out.” It’s calling on Jesus to pick you up, wash you off, and take control. Even Alcoholics Anonymous borrowed its “higher power” idea from that truth: we’re powerless until we put our lives in stronger hands.
But that’s usually where we stop—dropping our life in His hands and calling it a day. Real discipleship is listening, obeying, keeping Him at the center of our decisions and focus.
Remember those WWJD bracelets? I never liked them. Jesus walked on water and raised the dead—things I can’t do. The better question is, “What would Jesus have me do?” That’s where a living faith begins.
If we’re serious about being Christians, we have to quit following the elephant or the donkey and start following the Lamb. We must look and live like Christians: loving God, loving others, living holy, striving to make the world a better place. Claiming the name isn’t enough. As I’ve said before, I can sleep in a garage and drink gasoline, but I’ll never be a car. Calling yourself a Christian doesn’t make you one—carrying your cross does.
If even half the people who claim Christ actually lived like Him, we wouldn’t have a homeless problem. We wouldn’t have to beg for Christmas donations. Children wouldn’t be hungry here or anywhere in America. Based on how folks live and act, there aren’t as many true Christians as there are people playing at church. It’s time to stop playing and start being the church.
It’s time to walk the talk.
That’s my word for today. See y’all later—Lord willing and the creeks don’t rise. God bless.
