In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see,
so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Matthew 5:16

We’ve all heard it said that actions speak louder than words.  Even children can come to understand this concept.  Un-kept promises speak volumes more than repeated promises to keep promises.  We learn to trust based on what a person does...not on what they say.  Empty words aren’t believable.  So, it’s only fitting that God would know that if we live the way He says others will notice.

Word of mouth is awesome, but I think part of the reason people were able to believe Jesus is because they could see He was genuine.  Jesus truly cared for the people.  He wasn’t out to point fingers and make them feel horrible; He was relatable—even though, He was perfect.  In John 12:47 He says, “… for I have come to save the world and not to judge it.”

…Some people have faith; others have good deeds.
But I say, How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds?
I will show you my faith by my good deeds…
Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless…
You see, his faith and his actions worked together.
His actions made his faith complete…
So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone.
James 2:18-24 NLT (excerpts)

Jesus is our Savior.  Because of Him we are made right with God.  However, to be made right with God and to simply go back to living the way we were—unchanged—that’s ludicrous!  It’s the same as some of the children at the preschool where I work.  When a child learns to walk, they walk!  What is the purpose of being able to walk if you are not going to walk?  Many of our kiddos learn to walk…and then you can’t stop them! Sometimes, you wish they would just crawl. (Although, some of them can crawl as fast as a person can run!)  The point is why be given something and then not use it?

The same applies for our relationship with the Lord.  When we come to know Him, we are changed, and people see this.  Don’t try to hide it…you will be different!  People notice you are different!  LET THEM SEE!  Why?  Because that difference—that light—that change is what is going to make them ask the question…’why?’ And then, your actions have already set the foundation for the words that are about to come out of your mouth.  How can they deny your words, when they have seen with their own eyes the fruit of what you are telling them?

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Lord, let us forever shine as a light for You. Help us to remember that we are always being watched…and that our actions and the words we speak need to reflect You. Amen.