Devotional Guide, Today’s Reading –Friday December 16, 2022

Comment: The Bible refers to the practice of righteousness as ‘labour’ and that it leads to life in the end. In contrast, evil practices which is sin, ends in the loss of one’s life. No wonder our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ enjoins worshippers to, “Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you.” – John 6:27.

Biblical events in time of old as recorded in the Scripture gives an understanding that our faith should be backed by godly works in order for us to enjoy the grace brought by Christ, which leads to salvation in the end. In James 2:18-20, 26, St James posited, “Yea, a man may say, thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devil also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead. For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” See also John 13:17.

Consequently, there is a great gulf between works of righteousness which tends to life everlasting, and laziness in God’s service, which leads to emptiness and destruction.St. Paul enjoins us: “That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” –  Hebrews 6:12.