Sometimes we think our opinions are more important than our actions. But talk is never enough – no matter how eloquent we are. It is not what we say that in the end makes the difference, it’s what we do. Who we are is proved time and time again not by our words, but by our actions, by the way we live.
John Wesley told of a man he had little respect for because he considered him to be miserly and covetous. One day when this person contributed only a small gift to a worthy charity, Wesley openly criticized him. After the incident, the man went to Wesley privately and told him he had been living on parsnips and water for several weeks. He explained that before his conversion, he had run up many bills. Now, by skimping on everything and buying nothing for himself he was paying off his creditors one by one. “Christ has made me an honest man,” he said, “and so with all these debts to pay, I can give only a few offerings above my tithe. I must settle up with my worldly neighbors and show them what the grace of God can do in the heart of a man who was once dishonest.” Wesley then apologized to the man and asked his forgiveness.
We need to tell others of the judgment, the grace and the love of God, but it brings an entirely new meaning and effectiveness when after we tell them, we show it. This is what Jesus did…
Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
