"Do not oppose faith and good works to one another, for there is a blessed relationship between them; and if you abound in obedience your faith shall grow exceedingly." - Charles Spurgeon

A person who claims to have faith without works is like building the foundation of a house and never building the house. Similarly, a person who displays great works but doesn't have an affectionate faith in Christ is like building a house without building the foundation.  If you find that you are stuck in your faith and want a deeper and affectionate relationship with God, there is no path to a consistent satisfying drink without working up a thirst.  First and foremost, the Bible points to the needs of the church (including the people of need coming into the church) as the starting point - v.2:15.   Matter of fact, the Bible depicts one of the main purposes of fellowship and church is to help one another practice this to the very end.

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works" - Hebrews 10:24

We live in a society where convenience is a premium.  We want to make believing in Jesus easy and accessible as possible.  It is as if we don't understand why fast food is less fulfilling than a real meal. We boil down the Gospel to a decision and point new believers to Christian music and meaningful Christian gatherings. All the while we never point them to the narrow gate where Christ awaits them.  The Great Commission makes it clear that discipleship is about "teaching them to obey" - not just "teaching them what Jesus had to say."  Faith comes by hearing and cultivated by works - both coming together for our glorious happiness in Christ.  What a privilege and joy to be called God's "fellow worker" - to serve the poor, the lost and those in pain.  Use your gifts, your time, your money, your whole being toward the end goal of making Him known...He is worth all of it!  The more we sow, invest and co-labor with Christ, the more we'll know Him - it's a promise.