"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" - Ephesians 2:10 (NIV).

As believers, one of our inescapable call is engaging in good works. The Apostle James had an occasion to expound on this, perhaps after observing some slackening by the brethren. "What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,' but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? (James 2:14-19).

What James is here reminding us is our faith is not mere words, but the proof of it is seen in how we demonstrate it by meeting the needs of the body and even strangers around us. It is quite easy to find one who has all the words of faith but yet just as James notes, there are but empty. "If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom" (James 3:13).

One further motivation for engaging in good works is that good deeds also inspire the faith of those around us, as "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" ( Mathew 5:16). Hence, it is another way of evangelizing the Gospel of Christ.

It is a hallow faith where one proclaims all the faith in God but can't show it by way of good works. The Bible notes, "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead" (James 2:17).

Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, may you teach us to demonstrate the faith we have in you through good works that glorify you and inspire faith in you, this I pray in Jesus's name.