Believing God

"And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the friend of God."  James 2:23.  This passage is found amidst a discussion of faith and works.  The example of Abraham stands as a monument that faith must work.  Faith is not an idle concept, but rather, faith seeks to please God.  If one is going to believe in God, then he must please God.  Abraham was given a promise from God that he would be given a land, a son, and a people.  Abraham believed what God said.  As a result, Abraham left his kinsfolk and his homeland.  He would later offer his son as a sacrifice unto God as he followed the instructions which God gave unto him.  Because of Abraham's faith, which was an obedient faith, he was righteous.  To be righteous before God, one must obey God.  Abraham could not foresee the results of all that God commanded him, but his faith allowed him to follow the instructions which God gave unto him.  Hence, he was righteous.  Our righteousness before God comes when we listen to God and do what God asked of us.  As a result of faith, Abraham became the friend of God.  If we desire the friendship of God, we will believe God.