Father, thank You for a wonderful day! Thank You for Your word. Thank You for a day that was laid back a bit more than usual. Thank You for Your presence with us.
John 10:32-42 (<<click here to read the passage)
I have read too many books, seen too many shows and movies, and seen enough of life to realize that what one says regarding themselves only goes as far as their actions agree. Some may be fooled into believing people are who they say they are but eventually their deeds will show the reality of their being.
A phrase with which we are all familiar is, “Actions speak louder than words.”
A twist that usually doesn’t produce the fruit parents speaking to their children desire is “Do as I say, not as I do.” It is often the case that, children are more prone to feel allowed to do what the parent does, even if the parent tells them not to do it.
Scripture admonishes that actions speak louder as well. The Apostle John states in his first epistle,
Little children (believers, dear ones), let us not love [merely in theory] with word or with tongue [giving lip service to compassion], but in action and in truth [in practice and in sincerity, because practical acts of love are more than words]. 1 John 3:18 AMP
Jesus said as much in Matthew 21:28-32,
“But what do you think about this? A man with two sons told the older boy, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ The son answered, ‘No, I won’t go,’ but later he changed his mind and went anyway. Then the father told the other son, ‘You go,’ and he said, ‘Yes, sir, I will.’ But he didn’t go.
“Which of the two obeyed his father?”
They replied, “The first.”
Then Jesus explained his meaning: “I tell you the truth, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do. 32 For John the Baptist came and showed you the right way to live, but you didn’t believe him, while tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even when you saw this happening, you refused to believe him and repent of your sins. NLT
Time and time again, Jesus’ actions paralleled the words He spoke. Never did one contradict the other. Many other players in the Gospel narratives, could not lay claim to that truth. Everyone from the Jewish hierarchy clear through Jesus’ disciples was guilty of the deeds betraying their words.
Who can forget Peter’s words to Jesus in Matthew 26:33?
Peter replied to Him, “Though they all fall away because of You [and doubt and disown You], I will never fall away!” NLT
In just a matter of days, Peter fell away and fell hard.
Lord Jesus, I am no less guilty. I may have the best of intentions in many areas of my life – at home, at work, in the church…and most importantly with You – but more often than I would care to admit, they end up being just empty utterances. May I strive to live up to what my mouth proclaims, Lord. May I diligently endeavor to follow in Your footsteps. Amen.
Aug 1st, 2021, Sun, 8:37 pm
