There is a growing affection for zombies these days. I am not sure how that got started. Some psychologists attribute it to people reacting to their own innate fears and anxieties. Namely, some global apocalyptic event, Ebola maybe? Whatever the reason, it serves as an interesting back drop for the discussion of faith.
How does death apply to faith, you ask? Read this passage from the book of James. “Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. But someone may well say, ‘You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.’ You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless” (2:17-20)? James teaches that faith without works or action is dead and useless—much like the faith of demons. They believe so much that they tremble in fear, but it will not save them. Faith must be coupled with works for it to be biblical faith that can:
Cleanse hearts (Acts 15:9)
Sanctify (Acts 26:19)
Justify (Rom. 3:28)
Not walk by sight (2 Cor. 5:7)
Receive the promise (Gal. 3:22)
Understand (Heb. 11:3)
Conquer (Heb. 11:33)
If you have biblical faith, then it will be seen if it is accompanied by verbs. What are the verbs in your life? When you look at Hebrews chapter 11, you quickly see a pattern in the text—faith + verb. Biblical faith could be seen in the lives of the individuals of this chapter. Some of the people did great and grand things. Others were noted for more simple things. Abel was noted for worshipping God correctly, and Joseph was mentioned for preparing for the future exodus at his death.
Life is busy, and it is easy to lose sight of why we are here. I would like to challenge you to lift up your head and walk by faith—not like the zombies around you. Make room for the simple acts of faith in your life and a few grand ones along the way, so that this could be said of you, “God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them…men of whom the world is not worthy…” (Heb. 11:16b, 38a).