Words With Action

The words that a person speaks does not really define who they are but what they do is a true indicator of who they are.

Many in our present culture are under the illusion they can change the world by posting a Tweet in 280 characters or a Facebook meme while sipping on a mocha latte. It takes a little more action than that!

I am concerned about those on social media who tell their “friends” they will be praying for them and then follow up with rant-post filled with profanity about their experience in the drive-thru at Taco Bell. I’m not sure if their wires are connected to the correct terminal. Words are vapors but actions are rocks.

Jesus’ brother James said this about the subject, “If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food,/ and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit” (James 2:15-16 NKJV)?

Empty words are like clouds without rain. They promise but have no intentions of delivering.

All of us have had promises given to us but not kept. Also, many of us have promised and not delivered on our promise. Let us return to our father’s mantra, “A man’s word is his bond.”

Have you ever been around folks who could do a nickel’s worth and make it sound like a dollar? Social media is full of it. Return to the time when men did a dollar’s worth and made is sound like a nickel. “Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips” (Proverbs 27:2 NKJV).

On the news, I hear politicians who are asked questions about certain problems, and they typically answer, “We are monitoring the situation and are in discussions about the matter.” Let me translate for you: “We are only having meetings about it but will do nothing to solve the problem.”

In many institutions of our society such as corporations, schools, churches, and government there is too much bloviating and not enough productive action. Talk little and do much should be our default mode. We have a popular term called “virtue signaling” which is just about projecting support without solving any real problems. It is widespread in our culture from all sides. It is easier to get $100 out of some folks than an hour of productive activity.

“Actions speak louder than words.” Just do something good for someone today. It does not need to be fancy with bells and whistles. Just a kind act. Help your spouse with a chore they usually do. Give a single mom a twenty-dollar bill. Help a widow in your family, church, or neighborhood with a little of your time. Clean a toilet. Visit someone who needs encouragement. Tell someone about the love of Jesus. Volunteer for an organization. Babysit. Cook a meal. Mow a lawn. Just do something.

The world is changed by a million positive acts not a million empty words.

Words do matter. They just need some action to validate the breath.

“But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into judgment” (James 5:12 NKJV).

I hope you do not take this as simply a rant even though there is an element of a rant to this post. Rather, join me in starting a new trend of action not just empty words. Action matters.

Yours on the Journey,

Harry L. Whitt