For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. - Jam 2:26 NKJV

This verse clearly challenges Christians to do “good works”, but James is not saying that without works we have no faith.  What he is saying is that if we have faith, but we don’t live it out, in other words, if we have faith but still act like the unbelievers who do no good works, only think of themselves, then perhaps our faith isn’t true

Romans 11:5-6 says “Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.”

This passage is speaking of salvation.  In verse six, insert the word Salvation where it’s implied:

“And if salvation is by grace, then salvation is no longer of works; otherwise salvation by grace is no longer salvation by grace.  But ifsalvation is of works, salvation is no longer grace, otherwise work is no longer work.”

Salvation is offered to us by by believing, or having faith in the grace of God.  But works, again, according to James, is the evidence of our faith.  John 3:16, For God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, shall have ever lasting life.” We only need to believe to recieve eternal life.  But works are one way that we can show the evidence of our faith.

Here’s the caveat…we’re not to do work in order to be rewarded by those who see us working.  We’re to do work in order to Glorify our Father.  So when we do something kind for someone, it’s not about being thanked by them or others who see us do it.  It’s in order to please the Father.  God loves ALL mankind, including those who don’t love Him.  So those of us who do love Him, should want to help Him by helping others.  But again, doing so in order to point others to Him.

Earlier in James, he gives the example of Abraham sacrificing his son on the alter.  Abraham was not justified by the act of nearly killing his son, but rather by his faith in God and obedience.  Here’s what James says about it:

Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says,“Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God.

This summer, members of INspire! Sr. High went out and showed that they had the love of Christ in them by serving 6 widows by working around their homes, and cooking dinner meals for them in Morgantown, WV. Check out the photo gallery to see them in action, honoring God with their energy and hard work, blessing all around them. And look at the Jr. High Missions trip gallery to see all the different areas in which they served God by serving others.

http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Jam&c=2&t=NKJV#comm/26