“Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth” (James 3:4).

I imagine a big sailing ship with its many big sails. To this scene I add a powerful wind, driving this vessel across the ocean. Will the ship go wherever the wind compels it to go?

Only if it doesn’t have a rudder…attached to a helm…firmly held by a strong hand…directed by a purposeful mind.

Now my mind wanders somewhat to wonder — how easily does God steer me?

Do His gentle nudges suffice? Or must He exert greater force?

“…They are governed by a very small helm along the route he who governs them wants” (my translation of Reina-Valera 1960).

I believe Jesus is the Son of God. I believe He died for me. I believe He is the perfect sacrifice for my sin.

So I have faith. But such faith is not enough.

“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone” (James 2:17).

Unless my faith does something, it is dead — worthless to me, worthless to God.

One of faith’s first works is surrendering to the Lordship of Jesus.

Thus faith says to Jesus, “I will do whatever You say. From now on, You are the Boss.”

“So also faith, if it does not have works, is dead in itself” (James 2:17, Reina-Valera 1960, my translation).

Otherwise, faith isn’t faith. It’s just a dead thing.

I cannot separate my faith from my works without killing my faith!