“For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.” (v. 26)

Have you ever been mad at a movie?

Maybe you didn’t like a particular plot point or a character’s arc, or maybe they only told you half the story, to set up a sequel.

I find myself getting mad at movies—but for an altogether different reason. I get mad about how a story is composed, how the art of film is used ineffectively or inefficiently.

And here’s what I’m usually saying when I’m complaining:

“Don’t tell me! Show me!”

There is very little life in a story wherein all the characters just talk about the action. There is no excitement in hearing everything summarized by dialogue. I don’t want you to tell me about what you are going to do; I want to see you do it!

So it is with the Spirit’s words through James:

Don’t spend all your religious life talking. Instead, go and do! The Gospel may be rooted in words, but a Gospel-centered life will be reflected in your works. You don’t work to earn it. The works are the evidence of it.

So, instead of merely telling, let’s show. Let’s live lives that bring the Good News to life for our neighbors.

I assure you: It makes a better story, in the end.

— Tyler