“Does Your Life Speak Louder Than Your Words?” by Rev Robin Arnold

Does Your Life Speak Louder Than Your Words?

By Rev. Robin Arnold

Now without faith it is impossible to please him, for the one who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

~Hebrews 11:6 New English Translation (NET Bible)

Should faith be talked about or lived out?

It’s important to voice our belief, but are we focused on “THE WORD” instead of “THE WORK”, have we talked too much and not focused on the actual discipline of obedient, immediate response by doing?

We’ve all heard the cliché, “actions speak louder than words,” and in life that poignant saying has consistently proven true. When words outperform life example, candid response and daily disposition there’s an obvious, steadfast and tangible disconnect between intent and genuine change.

If one verbalizes they want to give up, change or redirect destructive life behaviors but continuously repeat the same behaviors, they are illustrating and confirming that the words they speak are untrustworthy.

We’ve all been there and God’s mercy and grace is the constant hand that pulls us out of each situation, every time. However, as we mature in our faith and grow deeper in our walk with Christ, shouldn’t relapses diminish? Shouldn’t we gain higher levels of spiritual discernment and mastery over the sin nature as we strive and become more Christ-like?

Yes!

Especially when it comes to our faith there should be congruence between what we say we believe and what we do. The values we profess to be our foundation and life covenant only impact other people when they are on full display in our own lives. The Bible speaks of faith demonstration but not in a shallow “look at my cool Jesus t-shirt” way, but by clearly stating: So also faith, if it does not have works, is dead being by itself. ~James 2:7 English Translation (NET Bible)

Paul encourages Timothy as a new and young preacher, to watch both his life and his teaching. God’s Word places the utmost importance on behavior naturally following and demonstrating belief.

Real life application

Instead of thinking about the kind gesture you should do for a co-worker, a friend, a family member or a stranger standing outside of the gas station asking for money, you actually do it even it means you have to sacrifice. Obeying the “not my character but God has instructed me” impulses that God drops into our heart is half of the battle.

If you see something that evokes a concerned emotion or you are privy to an injustice that leaves you disconcerted, take action against it. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance on “immediate response by doing.” That is God’s expectation of truly demonstrating your belief, in all that you do, it is living a life of “Faith Work”.  It’s a daunting task that will not always come easily or be executed within your comfort zone, but it will truly be worth it.

As believers, the doing has to become just as important (if not more) as the words we say. The Bible says Christians should be salt and light. Whenever salt is added to anything it enhances it, makes it better. Light drives out darkness allowing truth to surface. God is calling the Church to boldly live out our faith and allow the Christ in us to facilitate, demonstrate and implement “Faith Work” Christian living. It’s time that others notice who we are by our actions and not simply by the words we speak. If what we say is the only foundation we build on, it will crumble and be swept away when the inevitable storms of life come.

Prayer

Today, I pray that you receive the Word of God, know that He deems you worthy and holds you to the highest expectations to speak, walk and live in faith. May God’s blessings be upon you, may you recognize them, bask in them and share them. In God’s Holy Name I pray ~Amen

Reflection Questions:

How often have you reasoned good deeds into extinction?

Do my words out speak my actions?

Treasure Hunt:

James 2:14-26

2 Corinthians 5:6-10

John 14:15-17

Faith in Action:

Step out of your comfort zone and assist in a situation you have never assisted in before.

About the Author

Robin is an ordained minister and a native of Denver, Colorado, she made Huntsville her home in 1982. Robin is a mother of four adult children, a grandmother of four, a mother-in-law, a niece, an aunt, a sister and a daughter which she thanks God for each and everyday. A powerful, dynamic, speaker Robin uses the gifts of the Spirit to speak from her heart and soul with a genuine love for whom God made her and for what she does. Robin has authored and published Dear God… It’s Me: Spiritual Poetry and Dear God…It’s Me – A Meditation Journal. Currently she is working on Walking Between the Raindrops, a collection of stories by and about people who have influenced her life and What is…Asked Javien a Christian children’s book collection. When asked how and/or why she does all that she does, she simply reply’s…I Am The Lord’s.

Tags: faith, Huntsville, living God's word, Our City On A Hill, rev. robin arnold, Soul Food, walking the walk