SEEDS, PLANTS and SOULS

8 SHOOTS AND WORKS

So much for the roots -
what of the shoots, fruits and all the parts of a plant
that make up the above-ground herb, shrub or tree
that we all see?

In James' letter to Christian Jews living
outside the Holy Land,
he draws their attention to the fact
that real faith or belief in Jesus
must be accompanied by a change in deeds or works
- the way we act:

"What good is it, my brothers,
if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?
Can such a faith save him?
Suppose a brother or sister
is without clothes and daily food.
If one of you says to him,
"Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed",
but does nothing about his physical needs,
what good is it?
In the same way, faith by itself,
if it is not accompanied by action, is dead"
(James 3:14-17)

This passage establishes a link
between the roots
- faith -
and the visible parts of the plant
- stem, shoots, leaves, flowers and fruits.
All these can represent works, that is:
those things that we do, think or say
that are done out of an unconditional love
for God and other people -
something which we are incapable of without faith.

In the same way that a plant must be complete
with roots and shoots to survive,
so must faith be accompanied
by an appropriate change in character or works.

Forest nurserymen
talk of the root/shoot weight ratio of a seedling tree.
This must be correct for there to be a healthy plant
 capable of vigorous growth when planted out in the field.
 The roots support the plant
and take up water and nutrients,
whilst the leaves assimilate gases
and use light energy
to manufacture the food required by the plants as a whole.
A certain imbalance can occur during development,
but in the end the right proportions
must be maintained for healthy growth.

Can the same be said for faith and works?
I can imagine a time when faith is growing,
but is not apparent in works
- this may continue for a time,
but a change in character must eventually show itself
if that faith is to continue to develop.

If a plant has too many leaves
in relation to its root system,
it will wilt and growth will be retarded.
Could an overdose of works do the same for one's faith?
Perhaps so if one becomes so busy doing good works
that those things, such as prayer, fellowship
and taking communion
which nourish one's faith
are forgotten.

On the other hand,
I think that there are times
when a push to develop one
can help the other to benefit.
For example,
I wonder if one can help one's faith
just by trying to do good works,
even if one does not feel like it?
Will not God honour that effort of the human will?

Seen in the light of the humble plant,
perhaps the controversy over faith and works
that has been a factor in splitting the Christian church
could be better resolved.

Really we must conclude
that both are necessary
for the saving belief in Jesus the Seed to be effective -
 faith and works are inseparable,
just as a plant must have roots and shoots
if it is to survive.

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