What Matters Is What You Do

It’s very easy to say that we believe something. It’s also easy to say that we want to change, that we’re going to forgive, that we’re going to seek God more, that we’re going to take better care of our family, or that we’re going to serve more. The problem is that words, by themselves, don’t change anything.

James gets straight to the point: it’s not enough to hear the Word; we have to do what it says. If we say we’re committed but continue living just as we did before, it won’t work.

We can know many verses, listen to many sermons, and agree with almost everything, but if our way of living remains exactly the same afterward, then something isn’t working.

In the end, what truly shows what we believe is not so much what we say, but what we do when the time comes to make a decision.

We say that God comes first, but what place does He really have in our schedule?

We say that we love our family, but do we make time for them?

We say that we have forgiven, but do we keep bringing it up whenever we can?

We say that we trust God, but are we constantly controlled by fear?

We say that we want to grow spiritually, but are we doing anything specific to grow?

Practical Application

Think of one thing you’ve been saying for a while that you should do.

Not ten things. Just one.

It could be calling someone, asking for forgiveness, starting to pray every morning, making time for your family, giving up a habit, returning to consistent church attendance, serving in some way, or making a decision you’ve been putting off for far too long.

And this week, change one phrase:

Instead of saying, “I have to do it,” say:

“Today I’m going to do it.”

Because many times, the difference between an intention and a transformed life is simply taking the first step.

Something to Think About

Your life speaks much louder than your words.

What matters is not only what you say you believe.

What matters is what you do with what you say you believe.