How to Grow Your Faith

Faith is often seen as a deeply personal matter. Yet James, the brother of Jesus, issues a bold challenge that goes beyond private belief: Faith without deeds is dead (James 2:26). His words demand attention because they touch the core of what it means to follow Christ. He emphasizes that believing in God is insufficient. Instead, our faith should be evident in the way we live and serve others.

James hammers this point home with an arresting statement: "Even the demons believe—and shudder." This comparison raises an uncomfortable question—if demons acknowledge God’s existence but remain opposed to His will, what sets apart our belief from theirs? What transforms a simple acknowledgment of God into a saving belief that bears fruit in actions?

Belief vs. Saving Belief
Belief is foundational, but James urges us to evaluate whether our belief has transformed into saving faith. Saving belief goes beyond acknowledging God’s existence. It reshapes your priorities, your actions, and your heart. It’s not about perfection but direction—a life aligned with God’s will and guided by His Spirit.

James’ sharp reminder about demons reveals a stark truth: acknowledgment alone is not enough. Genuine faith compels movement toward God’s purposes. It produces tangible evidence through how we love, serve, and obey. Saving faith changes not only how we see the world but how we live in it.

If your faith doesn’t inspire you to act—if it doesn’t move you to care for others, pursue justice, or respond to God’s promptings—it’s worth reflecting on whether your belief is truly alive.

When Faith Feels Stagnant
What happens when your faith feels stagnant? James provides insight into two possible reasons:

1. You’re Not Growing Spiritually
Faith requires nourishment. Just like a seed needs water and sunlight to grow, faith needs intentional care. Spiritual disciplines—reading Scripture, praying, worshiping, and participating in community—are the means by which we cultivate growth. Without them, faith can stagnate, even if it’s genuine.

If you’re not investing in your spiritual growth, your faith may remain alive but fail to bear fruit. It becomes easy to lose sight of others’ needs and retreat into a self-centered perspective. When you nourish your faith, you’ll naturally find yourself more inclined to act on the good you’re called to do.

2. You’re Mistaking Ritual for Relationship
The second possibility is more concerning: your belief may not be genuine saving faith. It's like planting a pebble instead of a seed. No matter how much you water it, it won’t grow. Similarly, if your faith is based solely on habits or rituals—attending church, reciting prayers, or even reading the Bible without internal transformation—it lacks the foundation needed to produce real change.

True faith isn’t just an intellectual exercise or a checklist of religious duties. It’s a relational trust in Jesus that transforms your heart and compels action.

A Call to Action: Do Good
James 4:17 offers a direct challenge: "If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them." This verse underscores the urgency of responding to God’s promptings. When you sense an opportunity to do good—whether it’s helping a neighbor, volunteering, or offering encouragement—act on it. Ignoring those nudges can lead to spiritual disobedience and missed opportunities to reflect God’s love.

If you’re looking for a New Year’s resolution, start with this: do good. Commit to saying yes when the Holy Spirit prompts you. Whether it’s a simple gesture of kindness or a bigger step of service, each act is a reflection of a living faith.

Practical Steps to Start Doing Good:

1. Set Small, Attainable Goals: Start with manageable acts of kindness, like writing a thank-you note or helping a coworker.
2. Volunteer Regularly: Find a ministry, charity, or community initiative that aligns with your gifts.
3. Be Present in Your Relationships: Sometimes, doing good simply means showing up for those who need your support.
4. Respond Quickly: When you feel prompted to act, don’t overthink. Obeying promptly keeps your heart soft toward God’s leading.

Nourish Your Faith
For those confident in their salvation but feeling lazy in their actions, James offers a solution: nourish your faith. Just as plants need care, your faith needs ongoing attention to grow and thrive.

Ways to Nourish Your Faith:
1. Immerse Yourself in Scripture: The Bible is your guide for understanding God’s will. Start with small, consistent readings to build a habit.
2. Engage in Worship: Worship connects your heart with God’s and recalibrates your focus. Whether through music, prayer, or quiet reflection, make space to praise Him.
3. Participate in Community: Join a small group or study group. Faith grows stronger when shared with others.
4. Share Your Story: Testify about what God is doing in your life. Sharing your faith with others can reignite your passion and commitment.

What If You Doubt?
Doubt is a natural part of faith. It’s not a sign of failure but an invitation to seek clarity. If you’re unsure whether your faith is alive or stagnant, start by asking these key questions:

1. Do I Recognize Sin in My Life? True faith involves a conviction of sin and a desire for forgiveness.
2. Do I Trust in Jesus’ Sacrifice? Saving belief means trusting that Jesus’ death and resurrection cover your sins.
3. Is Jesus the Lord of My Life? Is He guiding your decisions and priorities, or is your faith confined to Sundays?

If these questions leave you uncertain, reach out to a trusted pastor or mature believer. Self-reflection, paired with wise counsel, can help you discern where you stand and how to move forward.

Faith That Produces Fruit
James concludes his teaching with a vivid metaphor: "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead" (James 2:26). A living faith breathes life into your actions and decisions. It’s not about earning God’s love but reflecting it. Your deeds don’t save you—they reveal the authenticity of the faith you profess.

Whether you’re just beginning your faith journey or have been a believer for decades, the call to action remains the same: live out your faith in tangible ways. Let your life be a testimony to the transformative power of saving belief.

Looking Ahead to 2025
As you step into a new year, take time to evaluate your faith. Are you nourishing it through spiritual disciplines? Are you responding to God’s nudges to do good? Or are you simply going through the motions?

Wherever you find yourself, remember that growth is always possible. Whether you need to nourish your faith, deepen your relationship with Jesus, or simply act on the good you already know to do, God is ready to meet you where you are.

Let this year be one where your faith comes alive, not just in words but in deeds. Say yes to the opportunities God places before you. Let your belief be more than acknowledgment—let it be a saving faith that transforms every corner of your life.

This blog is based on the message shared by Media Arts Pastor Justin Kellough on Sunday December 29, 2024. Check out the full message below!