“Your actions speak so loud; I can’t hear what you say.” …Jeff Van Gundy, former NBA coach and ESPN NBA analyst.

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     “Don’t tell me, show me.” That’s a phrase that nearly every adult has uttered at some point in their life. “Talk is cheap,” is another go-to when trying to get action from someone. Why is it that words seem to do little but get in the way while actions seem to change the world? Let’s look at what God’s word says.

     “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.” Matthew 6:2. We tend to boast. We can easily turn our good works into prideful boasts by not being quiet and letting our actions speak for us. This will sour people on the things we do and even on us as they think we are doing things for the wrong reasons. Remember, actions speak louder than words!

     “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” James 1:22. “Being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” James 1:25. In James chapter one, the Bible puts an important emphasis on doing. James goes on to say: “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” James 2:17-18. Let me be clear, this DOES NOT mean you have to work for your salvation. Think of it like this: Michael Jordan could tell people he was great at basketball, but for it to be more than talk he would have to eventually pick up a ball. Dr. Tony Evans says, “Faith is putting legs on your belief in God.” Sometimes God will only move in our lives when He sees us step out and move on faith first. Believing in God but never acting on that belief does nothing for us nor anyone else.

    So why is this so important? Why is talking about Jesus not enough? Well, we are to be Christ like and point others to Him. Not all people will listen to you, but most people will watch how you live. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16. It’s all about bringing glory and honor to God and bringing people to Him. It's just one of the steps to being a map that leads people to the Father. This week pray and ask God what you can DO to serve Him and show others Christ in your life.

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Enjoy your week, and go DO something!