Actions, Not Words

I don't trust words. I have said this to many people who tell me things. There are very few people I know who's words I trust. It isn't like I don't have a good reason not to trust words either... I have been told many things by people who were supposed to love and care for me, and in the end they left.

I have met many people who have gone through similar struggles as myself who also do not trust words. People can say whatever they want, it doesn't have to mean that it is true, or they truly mean it.

However, just because I do not trust words, that doesn't mean that I do not trust people. For me, someone's actions towards me are the quickest way to my heart, whether that be a friendship or a romantic relationship. I don't want you to just tell me you appreciate my company, I want you to ask me to get lunch or coffee or go shopping and actually spend time with me. If you love me, you can tell me... but better yet, prove it by fighting for me.

The interesting thing is... I think God feels the same way about us. Sure, we can say all day that we are a Christian and we love God. But, do we live out our words with every day actions? Do we read and meditate on God's word daily? Do we spend time with Him in prayer? Do we spread His word and encourage others with the hope of His promises?

God doesn't just want our words, He wants our actions as well. He wants all of us. If we are truly His we are to reflect the Fruits of the Spirit, which are: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

James 2:14-26 is an amazing passage that talks about what God wants out of our faith. But specifically verse 26 drives my point home, it says: "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is also dead." God doesn't just want our faith, He doesn't just want our words, He wants our actions as well, He wants our works.

So while sometimes it seems untrusting to not believe what people say, I think we could all benefit a little bit more from pursuing both God and others with our actions. There are plenty of poeple who need us to reach out to them, who need a friend or someone to talk to, and in the long run is it really so hard to give that to someone? And if we truly love God as much as we say? Is it too much to give Him the actions and attention He deserves?

I am by no means an expert on this, it takes constant effort and the right mindset to work on accomplishing these things. But it is something I have been recently convited to do personally... and I would like to encourage you to look and see where you stand, and if any of this makes sense or could be applied to your own life; I would like to encourage you to pursue it.