When a
paramedic arrives on the scene of an injury, their first order of business is
to check for signs of life. They check for breathing, pulse, responsiveness,
pupil reaction, and skin color & temperature to confirm that the spirit is
still present in the body. These “vital signs” prove the existence of life.
In the same
way, there are spiritual “vital signs” that prove the existence of genuine
faith in a person’s life. James calls these signs, “works,” referring to the
righteous acts that come from someone who is truly alive in Christ with a
genuine faith. In the same way that human vitality proves the presence of the
spirit within the body, Christian good works prove the presence of genuine
faith. James tells us that faith, like the body, must show evidence of life. If
our faith lacks action, growth, and spiritual fruit, it may be as lifeless as a
body without a spirit. So, let’s run a
faith check:
Breathing (Prayer & Worship) Just as
breathing sustains physical life, prayer and worship sustain spiritual life. Do
you inhale God’s presence daily, or is your faith struggling to catch its
breath?
Pulse (Desire to Grow in Christ) A strong
pulse indicates vitality. Likewise, a
living faith has a hunger for God’s Word, a pursuit of holiness, and a desire
to grow in grace. If there’s no thirst for Scripture, no conviction over sin,
and no longing to become more like Christ, your faith may be in need of
resuscitation.
Responsiveness (Love & Compassion) A responsive
body reacts to stimuli. A living faith responds to the needs of others. Are you moved by the suffering around you, or
has your faith become unfeeling and numb?
Pupil
Reaction (Spiritual
Discernment) Healthy pupils react to light. Does your faith respond to the
truth of Scripture, or do you remain unchanged when confronted with God’s Word?
Skin
Color & Temperature (Spiritual Vitality) A healthy body has warmth and color. Is your faith
vibrant and passionate, displaying the vibrant beauty and colors of
Christ? Or has it grown cold,
indifferent, and lifeless?
If any of
these signs are weak or missing, it’s time for revival—the process by which
spiritual life is renewed, awakened, and revitalized in the heart of the
believer. Revival by the Holy Spirit can be likened to the life-saving shock
delivered by defibrillator pads to a person's heart, but in the spiritual
realm, it’s the Holy Spirit who provides the “charge” that stirs a dead or
dormant faith back to life. This all begins by humbling ourselves, repenting,
and turning to Him, asking for His Spirit to breathe new life into us.
May the Lord stir within you a renewed hunger for Him. May your faith be vibrant, responsive, and full of life. And may you walk in the fullness of life He desires for you.
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