ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS
- Key Verse
- I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. (1 Corinthians 1:10 NIV)
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Central Truth
Proper words communicate well, but proper actions are undeniable.
Reflections
I recently accepted a friend request on Facebook from a friend I knew back in college. We actually met in the Army Reserves, and he was about 10 years my senior. Jeffrey and I enjoyed one of those rare relationships where we struck it off easily and enjoyed each other’s company much. Thinking back on those days, what bonded us was our common Christian faith. We were both sincere and passionate. What probably also bonded us was our love for a good, hearty debate and the uncommon characteristics of our Christian faith. We would sit at lunch or during down time on drill weekends and go round and round with verbal sparring.The sparring came to an end one weekend. Someone was talking to me and all they could see in Jeff and I was our “arguing”. It did me no good to try to explain away the debates as fun between good friends. The public nature of our diatribes left a bad taste in at least a couple of people’s mouths - about us and Christians in general.
A couple of years after meeting Jeff I went on a short term mission trip to Uganda, Africa. My group performed needed construction projects for some village churches and their pastors. We also shared the good news of Jesus in presentations. As was common on our work sites, a local man came by to check us out. He noticed the brotherly spirit of everyone working together - white Americans and black Africans. He explained that he was Muslim and was moved by what he saw in us. The public nature of our brotherly affections left a sweet taste for him - about us and Christians in general. It made sense to me at that moment the importance of Paul’s desire for Christians to dwell in unity. For one audience, I made the cross of Christ weak and ugly. For another audience, it was powerful to save and beautiful.
Discussion Questions
- How well are your words supporting the cross of Christ lately?
- What are people saying about your representation of Christ lately?
- How is your interaction with other Christians? Does it leave a sweet taste or is it distasteful?
Comments
The views expressed under “Comments” are solely
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of .
Scott
April 12, 2010 08:00 AM
Great "real world" examples Jeremy - thanks for putting The Word in context. I appreciate your desire to serve the men and women that protect this great country and to be one of them. I'll pray God guides the decision made on your behalf in Washington.
Jeremy
April 12, 2010 08:54 AM
Thanks you, Scott. Your prayers are coveted, brother.
Martha Pressler
April 12, 2010 09:03 AM
Hi Jeremy- Thanks for your candor about how you have represented the cause of Christ. It's a good reminder that the world is watching and takes note of how we "show Christ off", good or bad. I'll pray for you and Reta in light of the decision of the Chaplain selection board.
Leigh Ann
April 12, 2010 10:39 AM
my nephew visits a student group at A&M, where he attends, that describes themselves as Atheists. He and his friends love to debate Jesus with the members.One day there was a Facebook post saying that my nephew was a member of this group! this prompted he and I to have a long talk about assumption (of others) and implication (how things look to others).
Jeremy
April 12, 2010 11:37 AM
Leigh Ann, that is a good story. No matter what we do there are assumptions and implications. I think the question remains whether we are receiving the assumptions and implications for which we plan. I wonder what your nephew planned for versus what he received.
Jeremy
April 12, 2010 10:27 PM
Thank you for the prayers, Martha. Our Dad in heaven has my back because of them.