Communication of Actions
Scripture Reading - James 1:22-25 KJV
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
The saying, ”Actions speak louder than words” is based on the scriptural truth of this lesson. Certainly it is not the hearers of God’s Word or the speakers of God’s teaching but rather the doers of God’s Word shall be blessed in their deeds according to verse 25. Yes, our actions, expressions and reactions to words spoken to us are communicating a message to the world or the audience at hand, whether positive or negative. In James 1:19 it speaks of being quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to wrath (ungodly anger). Verse 22 of the reference scripture teaches us to be doers of the Word of God not just hearers only. The Lord delights Himself in the pure motives of the heart and for that reason we must be doers of God’s Word after we have heard it (heard Him). Dear believer, your actions are being watched by all people so what you do is communicating a message in itself. Too often people can talk a good game but fail to live their conversation (lifestyle) over the duration of time. Yes, actions will speak out loud for all people to judge whether good or bad. This is why the Holy Bible states in Acts 10:38 that “Jesus went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him”. Yes, it was not enough for the Lord to just preach a good sermon but His actions needed to be consistent with what He was preaching. Jesus walked an exemplary life because His religious critics and those who didn’t like Him could find no fault in His character or motives. Why? Simply because Jesus actions were so consistent with His Words that the two became “ONE” in God (Christ Jesus). Typically, many believers are accused of being hypocrites because their actions don’t always follow what is written in the Holy Bible. That is “OK” because the devil is always the accuser of the brethren. There is no harm in the accusations of others but rather in the blatant acts (actions) of sin. We know we don’t always measure up to God’s Word but the mercy of God endures forever because we are saved by God’s Grace (mercy in action) through faith not of works (good deeds, good actions) least any man should boast. However the awesome grace of God doesn’t allow us the freedom to do any shameful acts before man without consequences, but we have renewed mercy in Christ upon confession of our sins. The beauty of the Cross of Christ is not that we can live like ungodly people and get away with it. No way and at no time. The Christianity of Christ empowers us to live like Jesus while present on this earth and continue this godly walk when we live in Heaven. Yes, dear Saint, your “communication of actions” truly shows who you are so don’t try to act like someone or something (image) you are not. You are fearfully and wonderfully created in the very image and likeness of Christ so act that way. Remember, you are much more than an actor for sure you are the real essence God in Christ Jesus your Lord created to “communicate the actions” of God for all the world to see. Amen!