James 2:19

You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that–and shudder. James 2:19

Belief in a god is very common all around the world. At least half of the people of the world believe in at least one god, many will believe in more than one. Others believe in the possibility of a god existing, but are not absolutely positive.

Most of the people leave their level of belief at just that level, just believing and nothing more. It does not have much of an effect upon their daily living.

As James talks about doing good deeds and faith, he tells the people that it is good that they believe in one God, but it is not enough, because even the demons do that–and shudder.

Believing in one God is an easy thing for a person to do, but very commonly it does not change the way a person lives, thinks, acts or speaks. Even though they believe, they do not realize the authority and power of God, and thus believe with a flippant attitude. The demons know who God is and are fearful.

Sadly, this type of belief in God is a common occurrence within the church. People go to church, sing the songs, hear the sermon, then go home back to their sinful lifestyles with no thought about God in their minds or actions.

Actions are what proves a belief. A person can believe that a chair will hold him, but if he never sits on it, he really does not believe.

One must believe in what Jesus did to be saved, but then he must act upon that belief by doing good deeds out of love for Jesus and what He did and love for others. He must realize that without working for God, there will be a judgement against him in the end.

If you have chosen to believe in Jesus that is great. Now ask yourself what are you doing with that belief.

Do you realize who God is and the power and authority that He has over your life and this temporary world? Or do you think that He is just the good man upstairs?

Allow who God is to change you from the inside out. God has great works for you to do, if you will trust Him and obey Him, not just believe in Him.

True belief will bring about change and action.

Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that you will know who God really is; that you will know God’s authority and power; that you will obey God with all of your life; and that you will be changed by knowing who God is.

Lady in field

You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that–and shudder. James 2:19

Belief in a god is common around the world. The majority of people believe in some type of god. In some areas the number of those who believe in a god is higher than other areas, but it is common everywhere.

Although the numbers appear to be dropping, there is a high majority of people in America who claim to believe that there is a god or God out there. As many believe this, they will also say that one cannot really know this god or God.

Looking at people who claim to believe that there is God, James tells them that is good, but it is not enough. Even Satan and the demons believe that God is real. Satan has met with God personally more than one time over the centuries. There is no doubt in their minds at all that God is real, but they do not serve Him or have faith in Him.

The demons believe and shudder. They fear God, because they know that He is the ultimate power and authority in all of the universe. They know that in the end they will be judged by their actions and refusal to obey Him.

There is more to faith than just saying one believes that God exists. While many people claim to believe in God, very few actually live as though they believe it. They do not give God the authority in their life that He deserves. They openly and proudly do actions that are against God. They refuse to obey Him. They don’t see God as One who will judge their actions in the end.

Right before this verse, James talked about showing faith through actions. As a believer, you must do more than just claim to believe in God or Jesus, you must act upon it.

These actions are being His witness at every possible opportunity. It is obeying every command He gives you. It is showing love and mercy to every person, whether family, friend, enemy or stranger.

Be willing to show the world that you believe in God, not just claim it. Do not be like many in this world who only claim to believe in Him. Be separate and different from the rest of the world and even many in the church.

Really believe in God and act upon it.

I pray today that you will know Jesus as your Savior; that you will obey God’s word and commands; that you will act upon your belief in God; and that your life will show that you believe in God.