Actions

“In our modern world, we often separate faith from practice. But the way of Jesus rejects this notion. Only living our faith offers the credibility to teach our faith. Anything less is less that the teachings of Christ.”― Dillon Burroughs, Thirst No More: A One-Year Devotional Journey

I found this post the other day that I had written about something I saw. It talks about watching a show where someone was reading a letter they wrote about another person. The letter essentially said that if you know so and so, then you are a better person because they care fiercely and will do anything for anyone, and your life would be better if you just gave her time to show you.

Then I wrote about how that is similar to God's nature. He will do anything for us as He loves us fiercely and cares deeply, if we just give Him time to prove it.

In John 10:25, it says, “Jesus replied, ‘I have already told you, and you don’t believe me. The proof is the work I do in my Father’s name.’”

The proof is in the doing, no matter who they are. They can say all they want, but we seek actions to confirm, and Jesus here is the perfect example of someone living out what they say.

Next in this memory post I had, I also wrote about how I had planned to do something, but my plans weren't going to happen. So, the first thing I thought about was how I didn’t like that, but I guess it wasn’t the right time for it. As the day went on, I let my disappointment take over.

Obviously, I said that I was okay with it, but my attitude didn’t reflect it, and therefore my actions didn’t either. Our actions speak volumes because they are what people notice. We can say we are okay with something, but if our actions are not in line with that, then it will come across like we are not okay at all.

James 1:22 says, "But don’t just listen to God’s Word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves."

We must do what it says. Many are watching, and if we claim to be Christ followers and then don’t follow the Word of God, then our actions will speak louder than our words.

All this to say... God shows us who He is, and Jesus demonstrated it perfectly. These are whom we are to model after when it comes to not only saying but doing.

James 2:21-22 says, "Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete."

Abraham shows us that when you trust God and live what you know to be true through God, you will be willing to do anything He asks of you. Abraham knew that God would provide what was needed, and therefore his actions show that.

We can get out of sorts, and our actions don’t fit what we said because of the uncertainties and disappointments in life. But we have a God we can trust and know that He will do what He says, so we need not worry. Let your actions speak of who God is in your life.