Sit up, pay attention and take notice! These words from James don’t hold any punches. Faith and works fit together, hand in glove, that’s just the way it is.

If as Christians, we have any tendency or temptation to think otherwise, this chapter quickly reminds us to ‘think again’. Faith, if it’s not accompanied by action, is dead.

These cutting words are particularly relevant to us at this particular chapter of World History, as we are challenged to ‘Make Poverty History.’

As the organisers of this amazing campaign keep reminding us: ‘it’s not about your money; it’s about your voice.’ It’s about what we choose to do with the choices we take and the influence we make. If we believe that poverty is unjust and unacceptable in God’s eyes (and it is), then we shouldn’t just talk about it; we should act upon it.

So what does action look like for you? Is it about going to Edinburgh on 2nd July and being present for the G8 Festival? Is it about educating yourself about the issues of poverty that affect our world? Is it about spreading the news about this campaign in your local community? Is it about choosing to support and encourage fair trade wherever you can? Is it about getting on your knees in prayer for our world leaders and the responsibilities that they shoulder? Is it about responding to poverty on your international, national and local doorsteps?

Take time to pray and consider what you can do, because you can do something. The question is - will you?

For further details about the Make Poverty History Campaign and how to get involved, go to: www.makepovertyhistory.org