Faith Means Getting Involved

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.  James 2:17

 

Skit: Siamese Twins

(Siamese Twins enter, walking together as though they are attached.  They are each wearing a T-shirt or nametag, one printed “Faith” and the other “Works.”)

Faith: Hi, I’m Faith.

Works: And I’m Works.  And we’re…

Faith and Works:  Siamese Twins.

Faith:  That means we’re joined together.

Works:  Yep, can’t be separated.

Faith:  Nope.  But it sure would make my life easier.

Works:  What do you mean, make your life easier?  You wouldn’t have a life if it weren’t for me.

Faith:  Don’t remind me.  If we could be separated, I could just rest and go on believing for the best.  All you do is work, work, work. 

Works:  All you do is believe, believe, believe.  You never do anything.

Faith:  Without me, you could never dream big things. You wouldn’t have anything to do. 

Works:  Well, without me, you’d never do all the things you dream about. 

Faith:  I guess neither one of us could survive without the other. 

Works:  You’re right.  What do you say we work together and do great things? 

Faith:  I couldn’t agree more.  Let’s go!  (Both exit.) 

Teacher follow-up:  (Have an office chair with wheels set up before the lesson.  Place beside it two planks of wood to use as oars.)

            As we’ve just seen in the skit, faith and works have to go together.  It’s not just enough to believe.  Faith means getting involved. 

            I’ve often seen people in rowboats, rowing peacefully down a river.  I thought I might try it, but it’s probably safer to try on land first.  If I can get the hang of it on land, it will be easier once I do try it in the water.  Okay, let’s see.  (Sit down in chair).  First things first:  I have to get in the boat.  (Pick up the “oars.”)  Now I have to pick up the oars and get ready to (sing) row, row, row my boat, gently down the stream.  Oh, nevermind.  Okay, here I go.  (Begin “rowing.”) 

            Wow, this is harder than I thought.  I think I’ll just give one of my arms a break.  (“Row” with just one “oar.”)  What’s wrong?  Why am I going in circles?  I guess I need to row with both oars.  Otherwise, I’m not going to get anywhere. 

            The Bible says that faith without good works is dead.  That means faith is just part of the process.  You have to get involved.  It’s not always enough to just believe.  You have to do something.  (Demonstrate moving forward with both “oars” and going in circles with just one “oar.”)  When you’re praying in faith for something, God will do His part.  But you also have to do your part.  If you don’t, you’re going to go in circles in your walk with the Lord. 

            You can’t row a boat with one oar; you’d go in circles.  And you can’t have faith without good works.  Today’s power point says:  Faith means getting involved.  Get involved by doing good works for the Lord!