What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? (James 2:14)
Rahab is an unlikely hero. She started as a Canaanite prostitute, meaning she was a fallen woman living in a fallen city, and she eventually was listed in the genealogy of Jesus. Rahab’s life shows us that while faith is not about our works, a bold faith is actively lived out.
When two Israelite spies came to Rahab’s home in Jericho, she protected them because she had heard about the things God had done. She turned away from her religion and her culture and put her trust in God. Because of this, Rahab and her family were spared when Jericho fell. In order to be saved, she had to place a scarlet cord on her window. Rahab obeyed this command knowing that she had to obey God in order to be saved. Her faith led her to action.
Faith in Jesus transforms every part of us, including our actions. Our kids will have many chances to live their faith out loud. Sometimes that will mean taking a risk or standing out from the crowd. It might look like standing up for someone who is being picked on, leaving a party, putting an end to a rumor, or speaking God’s truth to someone they care about. We can encourage our kids to let God’s truth shape their actions, because when we do that, God does incredible things.
This week, let’s pray that our kids move beyond simply believing in God in their hearts, and move toward acting boldly on that belief.
Father God, help __________ to believe in you so deeply that their actions are changed. May their life reflect your love, grace, and goodness. When it’s easier to blend in, give them the faith to stand up for you and your ways. May they live a life that glorifies and expands your kingdom. Amen.
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