ACTIONS speak LOUDER

Romans 5:8 New Living Translation (NLT)

“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”

       Country music star Toby Keith came out with a song a number of years ago that was entitled, “A little less talk and a lot more action.”  Christians need to ascribe to this advice.  I believe we have just about talked non-believers to death about the wrongs and the rights of life, how they shouldn’t smoke or cuss or drink and how they oughta be in church on Sundays.  Some who claim to speak for God spew hate and distain for those outside the faith.  When are we going to realize that talk is cheap?  Jesus backed up His teaching with actions.  He displayed love and mercy for all people and when He spoke He did so with the authority of God.  We talk about God as if He were angry at all of humanity.  If God actually had treated us prior to salvation the way we treat non-believers would anyone be saved? 

       Instead of talking about God and Christ, why don’t we dedicate our lives to imitating the life of Christ?  Christ died for all mankind, yet we act as if we are so much different they are.  With mouth closed, we should read the words Christ said to the multitudes of people who gathered to hear Him.  Then we should take the principles shared and apply them to our lives.  The only people Christ chastised were the moneychangers in the Temple courtyard.  He scolded His disciples for their frequent lack of faith, but to those ignorant of whom Christ and what He stood for He showed mercy and compassion, patience and love.  We cannot expect the non-believer to know what we know about the things of God.  It takes us a lifetime of reading scripture and learning what is expected of us, so they can’t know what they haven’t been taught.

       Sadly, the words and actions of a minority of believers have branded us all.  Portions of us are arrogant, self-righteous, belligerent, annoying and a whole lot more according to the non-believers perception.  Even if we aren’t, we are looked upon that way due to the actions of some and the preconceived notions that they invite.  People will believe what they have a mind to believe; we can’t change that.  But we can start now to undo a portion of the wrongdoing by changing our ways.  We, who know Christ, should know better.  Treat others the way you want to be treated regardless of how you are treated in return.  We have something unregenerate man needs.  We just need to reveal that need to them one person at a time with love and mercy.  God will use us if we represent Him in the proper way.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!