Our belief in God, and the privilege of wearing His name HAS to be evident in our lives. Just saying we are Christians means nothing if our choices and life style isn’t markedly different from the world’s.

Paul said of people who aren’t changed by their encounter with Jesus, “They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him…” (1:16a)

You can’t be a carnal Christian. There’s no such thing. You either reveal Jesus by your life choices – or you deny Him. There is no third option, no middle of the road.

Paul goes on to say people whose lives deny God even though they claim the name Christian, “are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for doing anything good.” (1:16b)

Do you claim to be a Christian? What does that look like in real time?

James had a lot to say on the subject. In fact, in James 2:26 we read, “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” If your walk doesn’t match your talk, your Christianity is dead. Not just on life support, D.E.A.D.

You can claim to believe that God sent Jesus to pay for your sins. But believing in God isn’t enough. James warns us:

You say you believe in God? “Good! Even the demons believe that…

and shudder! (2:19)

The demons understand what many of us don’t. They know the holiness, the authority, the righteousness of God first hand, and have experienced His wrath. Just the mention of His name causes demons to shake in their boots. Oh, you bet they believe in God. But they are not saved.

Your choices today won’t save you. Good deeds aren’t the same as salvation. But if you have placed your faith in Jesus, if you have accepted Him as your Savior, He promises to fill you with Himself. And being filled with the Spirit of God will spill out into the things you do and say. If Jesus dwells in you, people will see Him in you!

Do you call yourself a Christian? What will that look like today as you go to work, as you spend time with family, as you rub shoulders with people who are lost? What choices will you make today based on the fact that you have placed your faith in Jesus? How will you stand out today in the midst of an evil world?

Will you reveal God today? Or deny Him?