Daily Devotion – June 30, 2020 – Dave Duval
James 2:14-17
What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds. Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes or daily food? If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well, keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
In the midst of unprecedented times, the words of James ask us what we are doing for our fellow man. When i moved to Fargo 51 years ago this was a lily-white town.There were no more than 100-200 black people in North Dakota, most of whom were airmen based at Grand Forks and Minot USAF bases.
Today we have a growing black population, much of which relates to new Americans from African countries. Each of us has met and formed friendships with some of them. And yet, I am forced to struggle with the question ” How have i changed the life of a black person? “ And, each of you, how have you changed such a life?
Pastor James tells us “ faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” What do I mean? Let me give you 2 examples. Arlette Preston, RN and newly elected Fargo city commissioner, and husband Richard, have a black daughter. And Dr. and Mrs. Tim Mahoney -Tim is Fargo’s mayor- adopted a black son soon after birth. He is now a senior at Davies High. Talk about changing a life!
What can you do to make a difference?
Prayer
Lord ,
Enable us to make a difference in a life very different from our own. May each of us accept people of color as part of your creation. Amen
