actions Archives - Daily Thoughts about God

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

During a recent family road trip, fast food became the restaurant of choice. My youngest daughter escorted me to the counter to help order what we all wanted to eat. As I paid, the cashier gave me $10 too much in change. I showed her the error and returned the money. As we walked away my daughter smiled. “Dad, I noticed too and was watching to see what you would do.” Wow!

The expression, “actions speak louder than words” comes to mind. Jesus was criticized on many fronts but His opponents became quiet when confronted with His deeds. The account of the blind beggar illustrates this when he was questioned by the Pharisees about Jesus’ identity. The Pharisees demanded, “‘Give glory to God by telling the truth, they said. We know this man is a sinner.’ He replied, ‘Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!’” (John 9:24-25).

Jesus told His followers on another occasion: “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach” (Matthew 23:2-3). That holds a lesson for us today.

Our duty is to speak the truth, and then illustrate the truth with actions that are consistent with God’s Word. We never know who is watching to see if we do the right thing.

Dear Father, I desire to honor you. Show me the areas of my life where my words and actions do not match. Thank you for your Spirit’s presence in my life that gives me the strength to live consistent with your word. Amen.

By Mike Woodard
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