What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Personal Challenge...
I am continually amazed at how many people whom I know claim to be followers of Christ and have their lives wrapped up in the pursuit of godliness, or righteousness, through trying to improve their faith through the acquisition of knowledge. There is nothing wrong with the study of scriptures or of writings of those who have gone before us, but the development of our theosis comes through the living of our lives for Christ, doing His work for others. This does not mean going to retreats or conferences or monasteries, although in and of themselves these are not bad, it means going out and helping our neighbor by the application of God's love. This does not mean writing checks or giving to a Christian cause so that someone else can go, although in and of themselves this is not bad either, but it still means that we must be active in our faith, doing God's work in the world around us, otherwise we may be caught being told that our faith was dead because we did not apply it with works. Theosis is not something that I can pursue or acquire...it is what I become as I live out a Christ-centered life in community with others for Christ (process) through prayer, fasting and giving while constantly moving toward a likeness of Christ (goal).
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