Salvation by Works...?

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand and it gives light to everyone in the House. In the same way let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven

Matthew 5.14-16

In the Catholic church there is a belief that one can be saved by doing good deeds. Giving to the Poor, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, doing all you can to help...People believe that just by doing these good works they will be accepted into Heaven. And in all honesty...they are not totally wrong. Yes their salvation is not from their works, but their relationship with the Lord; but without good works how can we show our faith? Is it even possible? You can't claim to be a christian then sit around all day not showing a bit of care to the world.

But someone will say, "you have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do

James 2.18

As the body without the Spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

James 2.26

You salvation is not by what you do...but did you ever think that someone elses salvation might be riding on what you do? You minister through actions more than you do words. You could preach all day until your face went blue, but if you didn't show your faith, how could they understand? You can't expect people to just agree with your views and say, "Why that sounds wonderful I think I will believe everything you say." People don't do that, unless they don't have an original thought in their head.

The group you could be ministering to could be laughing and cracking jokes at you and your beliefs, but you show them your love, your joy, you peace, compassion...they can't help but wonder if there isn't something more than just merely existing. Salvation by works...yeah, I agree with that. It's not my salvation but it's that one person, that I could unknowingly affect so much by simple acts of love...I could save them. Me! I could lead someone to Christ just by doing what I should be doing. Loving my fellow man, taking care of them... Showing them what it really means to be a Christian.