In any relationship – family, friend, spouse, work comrade, community partnership – wouldn’t you agree you’d rather see action than hear a bunch of words? Not that words aren’t meaningful. In fact, they can be encouraging and uplifting. Nevertheless, there’s no doubt that action is better than words.
Today’s agenda – Scriptures that explore this idea.
Let’s Tear Into – Action Is Better Than Words
There are always four categories we explore in Scripture dissection:
- What Does It Say?
- What Does It Mean?
- Make It Personal.
- Make A Commitment.
1. What Does It Say?
Jas. 2:23-24 – “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, and he was called God’s friend. You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.”
Jas. 2:18 – “. . . someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’ Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.” [by what I do.]
This is what our verses say.
2. What Does It Mean?
Let’s explore what these verses mean. Then, we’ll look at some additional ways to pull meaning from them.
Jas. 2:23-24 – “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.” Remarkably, trusting Christ opens friendship with God. Incidentally, this is where action is better than words. Essentially, what you do proves your faith in Him. How you live shows you are, indeed, committed to God.
Jas. 2:18 – “. . . someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’ Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.” [by what I do.] Have you ever been asked to prove your faith? How would you do that? Hopefully not just with words. Interestingly, if you’ve invested in what we said about the previous verse, you already have a credible faith. Faith in God is proved by how you live.
More Proof
God has a great plan for each individual. Remember, your –
- Unique personality.
- Abilities.
- Individual skill sets.
- Custom-designed passions.
- Interesting viewpoints.
- Specific purposes.
Interestingly, these unique pieces that make you “you,” are proofs that your life, itself, is designed to honor God. Further, God’s brilliant strategy and deep love designed you to know and love Him. Plus, He truly wants you as His friend. Additionally, He wants you to partner with Him in this broken world.
Subsequently, your embrace of God’s plan for your life, becomes proof that action is better than words.
And this pleases God.
So, what you do is more powerful than just what you say.
Differentness
Thankfully, everyone is different! That’s God’s design.
And it pleases Him.
“Differentness” is needed for God’s work. Think of it like a puzzle. Parts that are identical don’t connect together well. They stack. They line up neatly. But they are not effective because they don’t “fit” into one another. They need an “opposite puzzle piece” to join to.
This differentness fulfills what God has in mind. Notice, the focus is on actions. Sometimes words. But primarily what you do. In fact, your words and actions should match up to be credible.
Action Is Better Than Words
Every time you match what you do with what you say, you become more congruent. Interestingly, this also gets you in touch with your own unique power to –
- Focus on being exactly who God created.
- Develop who you are in Christ.
- Ask for wisdom.
- Believe for His guidance.
- Work on attentively hearing His quiet voice.
- Most importantly, commit 100% to your relationship with God – by what you do.
This process truly pleases God.
If you want to prove your words, engage actions!
Essentially, this is what those verses mean.
3. Make It Personal
Your life has such power. Of course, your faith in God is a critical piece of that power. However, the proof of your faith is how you live each day.
So, let’s explore some ideas to make this personal.
Best Results – Action Is Better Than Words
Of course, your actions prove whether you are a person of your words. Essentially, actions prove you are living with your heart, even as you engage your will to make decisions.
Since action is better than words, let’s look at some pieces that bring best results.
1. Time Matters
People instinctively know their time is limited. Since your days are numbered, it matters that you fill your time with actions that speak louder than words. Of course, some things you say will be remembered and cherished. 
However, your life, itself –
- What you do each day.
- How you handle responsibilities.
- Whether you nurture your relationships.
- Your commitment and faithfulness to Christ.
– all make your time on earth deeply meaningful.
When you know time matters, you make it count. This requires careful thought, planning, investment, and pro-active involvement. So, why not live like this?
In every way, human beings yearn to live more fully.
This also pleases God.
2. Living Sacrifice
Living sacrifice is not a common term. However, it proves action is better than words.
Frankly, “living death” is an oxymoron. That’s another way of saying “living sacrifice.” Actually, it’s the way of the cross –
- A deliberate choice. Like Jesus made.
- Seems undesirable – BUT –
- Connects you to eternal life.
- Connects you to other people.
- Helps you find yourself.
- Ensures losses become gain.
- Proves – “Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for My sake will find it.” (Mt. 16:25)
- Represents letting go of your own desires, wishes, plans, and agenda to take up God’s, instead.
- It’s deciding to get involved!
Oddly, a life of surrender sounds unattractive. Contrastingly, it links your words to believable actions. Plus, it opens doors that prove your credibility.
This deeply pleases God.
3. Jesus, By His Life, Proves Action Is Better Than Words
Jesus is the only way to know God. “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (Jn. 14:6)
Frankly, Jesus turns “upside-down thinking” back “right-side-up.” Essentially, to live right-side-up, your faith in Jesus requires action.
Why did Jesus choose to be common? He wants to identify with every regular, common person. Interestingly, this proves He is humble in heart. (Mt. 11:29) Further, He cares more about representing God than just talking about God.
4. Stumbling Stone
Some months ago, we published “The Stumbling Stone.” Did you know Jesus can be a stumbling block to people?
Paul calls Jesus a stumbling block in 1 Cor. 1:23. “. . . we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles . . .”
Peter, a disciple very close to Jesus, makes the same observation. In 1 Peter 2:8, “A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.”
Isaiah says the same thing in 8:14-15. “. . . He will be a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall . . . Many of them will stumble; they will fall and be broken . . .”
“Stumbling” seems negative. What an interesting thing to say about Christ. It almost sounds wrong. But it’s not. Here’s why.
Jesus became human to connect you and God. Yet, as a human –
- He appears “ordinary” – except He lived a perfect life.
- His claims are outrageous. “Son of God, Creator, Messiah.” A man who says such things causes people to question. Besides, how can an ordinary man do amazing miracles? He’s a Stumbling Stone. Still, His actions do prove His words.
- Jesus claims to live forever. Humans have limited time on earth. Jesus is human. Yet, He offers eternal life to all His followers.
So, Jesus can be a stumbling block. However, He is also your example. Afterall, His every action proves He is the Son of God. And His faithfulness in action proves you can do the same. Afterall, He lives inside you.
As you respond to Jesus – a regular person who is also extraordinary – notice your own actions become better than words. That’s how you make this content personal.
4. Make A Commitment – Application Thoughts And Questions
- What are you doing to be the person God created?
- What are you doing to further develop who you are in Christ?
- Do your actions prove your words?
- Are there any words you should not speak – or change?
- How often do you calm yourself to hear God’s quiet voice?
- Most importantly, do you commit 100% to your relationship with God – and prove it with your actions?
- Do you daily spend time in Scripture and prayer?
- Do you live so others believe your actions are better than words?
For Your Quiet Time
* Portions of this content come from my book – e-Pistles For An i-Generation Relevant In A Digital Age – a devotional book that takes you through 1 and 2 Corinthians. You’ll find practical action points that help you know God better and nurture personal growth. You can find this book in our bookstore: www.aliveandactivelife.org/store.
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