Faith without works is dead

"Faith without works is dead" confused me for a long time. I didn't understand how faith could ever be dead, but I grew to understand that I don't have a real working faith if I don't practice what I have learned and heard. If I listen or read in God's Word what He wants me to do, but do my own thing, I am still following my own will, thoughts and desires.

God responds to me when I ask for His help. He doesn't always tell me what I want to hear, but He does answer me. His still small voice within me guides and directs me. Sometimes I am rebellious and I glance up to Heaven and say, "Is there anyone else up there?" BUT I know that faith, without works is dead.

I have faith in the program because I have seen people's lives transformed. I have seen the sick get well. I have seen evidence in my own life. "Works" in the program is working the tools. I outline them in more detail in "Recovery Tools" on my web site.

In quick review, the tools are abstinence (following a weighed and measured plan of eating), sponsorship, meetings, telephone, literature, service, anonymity, prayer and meditation. I work the 12-steps as a way of life.

Faith, without works, is dead but faith with works brings me happiness and that peace that passes all understanding.

God is the answer; what's the question?