James 2:17-20 - The Dead Fly Swatter

I stepped out of my car the other day and saw a completely useless object: the screen paddle part of a fly swatter. What else do you call it? I've never thought of labeling the parts of a fly swatter because by definition and by practicality, a fly swatter has to have a handle and the thing at the end of the handle. Having either part is not a fly swatter at all. Imagine someone trying to kill a fly with just a little plastic screen. Or just the handle. It would provide an amusing scene, even to the fly.

The faith in our hearts is just as inseparable from the actions of our lives.

17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. 18 Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.” 19 You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. 20 How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?
(James 2:17–20, New Living Translation, 2015)

There are many illustrations of the principle, some in this same letter from James. But you can't make it any simpler than a piece from a dead fly swatter.

Father in heaven, may good deeds flow from our faith in You, and remind us of the folly of trying to be good people without faith in You. Through Christ our Savior, Amen.