Last article, we explored how Words Are Important. However, you’ve lived long enough to know that “speak and do” definitely go together.
How many times have you noticed some folks just say a lot of words that sound great – sometimes perhaps even boastful. Sadly, they never live out what they talk about. The people we respect most are ones who put “speak and do” together.
“Speak And Do”
As already mentioned – in our last article, we explored words are important. And we made a good case for that idea.
However, today we explore “words” more deeply. Essentially, the idea of putting action to your words. Simply said – “speak and do.” Logically, this is how words impact behavior – and vice-versa. Incidentally, both impact the world around you.
It’s Important
To do justice to this concept, we will look at two things:
- How God does “speak and do.”
- How human nature demands “speak and do.”
Meaningful Action
Interestingly, too many times we speak, but don’t intend to follow up with meaningful action. Yet, that goes completely against what “speak and do” means.
Actually, and I’m sure you’ve noticed just as I have – people talk a lot about –
- How to live better.
- Pursue what you want.
- Injustices.
- Their own unique opinions about . . . well – anything!
- What they think Scriptures mean.
- And, of course, politics.
Frankly, how much more meaningful would “speak” be if words would roll into what comes next – “do.” Namely, “if I speak about this idea, what is the logical next thing I should do?”
Some examples that automatically roll into positive behaviors that change lives and communities –
- What you should be doing and how you plan to accomplish that.
- How you were wrong and what you will do to both right the wrong and correct it going forward.
- What God has placed in your heart and how that would naturally change what you do.
- What the Bible has brought to your attention recently and what God’s Spirit is leading you to do.
- How to love someone who has held a grudge against you, maligned you, or persecuted you – by what you do.
Those are excellent examples of “speak and do.”
All good things, wouldn’t you agree? Strategically, if there’s no action directly attached to your words, basically you render your own words powerless. Without purpose. Empty. Subsequently, void. Sadly, unreliable.
Naturally, then, words must be accompanied by actions. So – “speak and do.”
Written Vs. Living Word
In the same manner, to treat God’s words only as repeatable, means you render God’s words powerless. Unfortunately, this reality is displayed in daily life by too many Christians. Just a lot of talk. Subsequently, lacking power to change lives. To change your life.
Logically, and sadly, this is a strike against the label “Christian.” You’ve likely noticed I often use the words “Jesus follower.” I love the word “Christian,” for it was first used in Scripture to describe Jesus followers. (Acts 11:26) However, without actually following Jesus – doing what He says – you put doubt on the word “Christian.” Essentially, if you don’t follow Jesus to the detail of His teachings, you aren’t truly being a Jesus follower. Conclusively, this also means you are not being very “Christian.”
Basically, to be a Christian, you need to be a “living word,” not just a “spoken word.”
Jesus Is Both
So, now let’s remember the incredible concept of the Written Word and Living Word.
Incidentally, Jesus is both. Quite literally, He is the “Alive and Active” life of God in the human God-man, Jesus. Further, Christ’s life is “God on paper” in the Scriptures. Logically, this means both “speak and do” for anyone who claims to follow Him.
Do we, by our own lack of “speak and do” DARE to render the Written Word and Living Word as powerless in our lives? Empty? Irrelevant?
When God spoke –
- Everything into existence at creation.
- To prophets in ancient times.
- To His people through Moses and the Law and prophets.
- Through Jesus’ teachings when He lived on earth.
- Through modern effective evangelists.
- Even through ministries like Alive and Active Life.
- Into your heart, which He wants to do daily –
– When God spoke in all those ways, His intention is for you to have action and power together! Does God’s Word pack a punch of power in your life? Would others agree they see Jesus as they watch your life?
Christians Without Power
Consider this, is it any wonder some folks have pretty judgmental things to say about Christians? You know – those people who talk a lot about the Bible but don’t show evidence of God’s Word empowering their individual lives?
Incidentally, this includes not being kind, loving, courageous, just, credible, gracious, and so on.
Of course, some people truly do value and implement the Scriptures. They seek God and desire to please and serve Him. Plus, they want to be the person God designed. Moreover, it’s their goal to accomplish their life purpose.
Essentially, Jesus followers are connected to the purpose and power of God’s Word by what they do.
“Speak And Do” Matters
In this moment, consider which person you respect most?
- One who talks a good story – and a good bit.
- One who gets busy putting into practical action everything they talk about.
Frankly, I’ll go first and show my hand to admit – I totally respect the second person most. So, what about you?
Actually, this is true of everyone in your life, don’t you agree? Your –
- Family.
- Definitely, friends.
- Even neighbors.
- Without doubt, community leaders.
- Hugely, political candidates.
- Necessarily, church people (especially who call themselves “Christians.”).
- And on goes the list.
Conclusively, it’s absolutely true. “Speak and do” matters. I wonder – where do you function on the spectrum of “speak and do?” Essentially, when you speak, do you follow through with practical action in your home? Subsequently, in your community? On your job? Very critically, in your church?
Afterall, the world is watching. Guess who else is watching: your family, neighbors, work comrades, church-goers.
Scripture Supports “Speak And Do”
Let’s examine a couple of verses from God’s “Written Word” to support “speak and do.”
- “Do not merely listen to the Word – and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (Jas. 1:22)
- “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” (Jas. 2:26)
- “Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.” (Jas. 2:18b)
Remarkably, just those three Scriptures give credibility to “speak and do.” Amazingly, there’s a boatload more of verses you could highlight.
Naturally, faith (something a person declares) is very similar – if not identical – to only speaking. Simultaneously, speaking – and then doing something about it – brings credibility to what you say. Frankly, faith being acted on is something people can see, and perhaps even choose to follow with actions of their own.
Incidentally, did you notice all three verses come from the book of James. Consequently, I think it’s significant that the brother of Jesus writes about “speak and do” so passionately. Consider, he literally grew up with Jesus. Significantly, he watched his older brother every day in everything Jesus spoke and did. Realistically, he’s likely one of the best witnesses to what Jesus actually “spoke and did.”
What About You?
Naturally, you have people who are witnesses to your life. Frankly, in your home situation, in your community, on the job, in your church.
So, some questions to consider –
- What would your people say about your life?
- If God asked them to write something – perhaps with similar flare as the New Testament, i.e. – the book of James – would they be able to use your life as an example of powerful “speak and do?”
- Have you thrown everything you have into being a credible example to people in your life?
- When you speak, do you follow through with practical action in every facet of your relationships and responsibilities?
Sometimes, it helps to ask for feedback from someone you trust. Of course, if you ask for feedback about your words and actions (“speak and do”), you need to be willing to receive feedback.
Subsequently, after receiving feedback, it’s essential to talk to God about the feedback points. Naturally, you then do yourself a huge “solid” by working to implement the feedback from others into your daily life. Additionally, you know which feedback points you can discard with clear conscience.
Before we explore application over this content –
Application Thoughts And Questions
Which kind of person are you? Only “speak” – or both “speak and do?”- What feedback would people likely give you about being a Christian?
- Have you thrown everything you have into being a credible example of Jesus to people in your life? Actually, a true Jesus follower?
- Does God’s Word pack a punch of power in your life?
- Would others in your life say they see Jesus as they watch your life?
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