When Actions Must Speak Louder

My Dad used to say, “Do as I say, not as I do.” But what he was really telling me was that doing what’s right really doesn’t matter, that doing whatever we want is more important. Naturally, I vowed not to become a parent like that.

Unfortunately, that logic was fully ingrained in me as a child, so as an adult and a parent, I lived the way I wanted and hoped that my children wouldn’t pick up my bad habits. I hoped they would listen to my words and not follow suit to my actions, especially when it came to self-care.

I was wrong.

Now my children and I are both paying the price, and somehow we have to undo the damage already done. As I wrote in my last blog post, our words really do matter, but good intentions don’t stop there. As I relearn how to proficiently take care of myself, I have to take my children by the hand and show them how to do it too.

In the same way, our Christian lives can start with our words and then be led forth in action. Sometimes we get bogged down in the exact words we should use to share our faith, but Jesus had a plan for that:

“…don’t even give one thought about what you will say. Simply speak what the Holy Spirit gives you at that very moment. And realize that it won’t be you speaking but the Holy Spirit speaking through you.” Mark 13:11 TPT

Jesus’ plan was to send the Holy Spirit to give us the right words to speak at the right time. There is no need to worry or be anxious that we won’t know the right thing to say. If we simply speak from our hearts where the Holy Spirit dwells, then our words will be laced with Truth, love and peace.

There has to be more.

That’s where our actions come into play. One of my favorite quotes, which is historically attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, says, “Preach the Gospel. If necessary, use words.” I agree with the idea that our actions must exemplify a life that is lived fully for the Lord, but I disagree that words might not be necessary. Somehow we must present the clear Truth of Jesus verbally while living faithfully.

But our intentions must be clear.

“Put your heart and soul into every activity you do, as though you are doing it for the Lord himself and not merely for others.” Colossians 3:23 TPT

We cannot merely do whatever we want and expect a positive outcome. Paul encouraged the Colossians—and all of us—to make sure to fully strive for excellence in everything we do as if every action were for God Himself. We cannot fake it and expect others to choose a better path. While our words of caution, explanation or encouragement may be shared, our actions must still speak louder.