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Faith Without Works: Why Belief Requires Action

Faith Without Works: Why Belief Requires Action

Last updated on: September 13, 2026 at 6:31 pm by Dr. Teresa A. Smith, AKA Dr. TAS

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Faith Without Works: Why Belief Requires Action 2026-09-13T18:31:50-04:00 Dr. Teresa A. Smith, AKA Dr. TAS

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You have prayed about the goal and waited for direction, but the work remains unfinished. Faith can help you believe something is possible, but belief alone will not complete it. Dr. Edward Earl Bell explains his approach plainly: “I believe in possibilities; I don’t sit on faith; I do the work.”

Faith Is the Beginning, Not the Entire Assignment

Dr. Bell does not reject faith or minimize what it can provide. He makes room for faith without allowing it to replace responsibility or action. For him, faith accompanies the work instead of becoming an excuse to avoid it.

His perspective was shaped in the housing projects of New Bern, North Carolina, where his family and teachers faced life directly. His parents did not finish high school, yet he considers them among the smartest people he has known. They showed him that possibility becomes progress when someone accepts responsibility for moving forward.

James 2:17 KJV declares that faith without works is dead. The verse challenges anyone who keeps praying but refuses to act on what they already know. Faith may provide hope, but you must still make the call, repair the relationship, submit the application, or begin the work.

Faith Can Support You Through What You Cannot Change

Doing the work does not mean you can control every outcome or avoid every painful experience. When Dr. Bell’s mother died from cancer, his spirituality helped him accept that she had transitioned and was at peace. He could not change what happened, but he found comfort in believing her suffering had ended.

Proverbs 16:3 NIV says, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” This scripture connects commitment to action by focusing on what you do. You can pray about your plan, commit it to God, and still take responsibility for carrying it out.

Stop Waiting for Permission to Create Joy

Dr. Bell doesn’t wait for other people to decide what should bring him joy. He creates joy by living in a way that fits who he is and learning from people whose lives he can observe. He also looks in the mirror, smiles, applauds himself, and expresses gratitude for who he has become.

Childhood photo of Dr. Edward Earl Bell beside a recent portrait of him wearing glasses and a burgundy tuxedo.

His guiding declaration is, “I am what others thought impossible.” A school counselor once told him his test scores meant he was not college material, but several teachers refused to let those scores define him. He later earned a doctorate, became an educator and researcher, and returned to serve the community that raised him.

Colossians 3:23 NIV instructs, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” Your faith does not require you to sit still, and taking action does not mean you have stopped trusting God. You can believe in something greater than yourself while accepting that your choices and effort matter.

Identify the work that is still waiting for you, and take the next step. Choose one action you can complete today instead of waiting for another sign or perfect conditions. Faith can support what you are building, but it cannot do your part for you.

Keep Up With Dr. Edward Earl Bell

Dr. Edward Earl Bell is an educator, author, researcher, speaker, and workshop presenter whose work centers on Black males, parent education, after-school programs, and teaching and learning. He teaches at North Carolina State University and Capella University. Learn more at www.dredbell.org, visit Dr. Edward Bell on YouTube, or contact him at [email protected].

Progressive Christian

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Faith Without Works Is Dead

James 2:17

Spiritual Growth

About Dr. Teresa A. Smith, aka Dr. TAS

Dr. Teresa A. Smith (Dr. TAS) is a professor, best-selling author, certified counselor, and empowerment speaker whose mission is to help people heal, grow, and thrive through faith. As host of Talk With TAS and Transform With TAS, she shares unfiltered conversations, soul-nourishing strategies, and practical tools for overcoming adversity, burnout, and life transitions. She is also a Contributing Writer for Conversations Magazine, where she shares stories of healing, resilience, and purpose. Through her books, shows, writing, and speaking, Dr. TAS empowers individuals and communities to rise strong and live boldly in their God-given purpose. You can read more about the author here.

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