We’ve all heard sayings like “practice what you preach” or “actions speak louder than words.” Sayings like this serve to remind us that while we may all say the right things it is our actions that truly make an impact on others.
This has been a problem for mankind since the beginning. Time and time again throughout the Scriptures there are examples of people saying one thing then doing something different. One of the most infamous examples of this would be the Pharisees. Their repeated conflicts and jealousies with Jesus eventually culminated in Him declaring several woes on them in Matthew 23. All of those words revolved around them saying one thing, preaching and insisting on obedience from others, BUT not doing it themselves. They loved the seats of honor and public attention and accolades but they did not do not have the heart they insisted others should have.
Jesus directly and harshly condemns them for this. They were not actually bearing fruits for God. They were saying the right things but not doing the right things or doing them for the wrong reasons. “Woe to you hypocrites” Jesus declares.
We have to be just as mindful and aware of this pitfall in our lives. We are not called to just SAY the right things, we are called to DO the right things. Jesus says “any branch that does not bear fruit will be taken away and burned (John 15).”
What then is the fruit Jesus is expecting us to bear for Him? Paul tells us in Galatians:
🍓 love
🍇 joy
🍑 peace
🍎 patience
🍋 kindness
🍐 goodness
🍊 gentleness
🍌 faithfulness
🫐 self control
So, our lives are not JUST about saying the right things – they are instead about saying and DOING the right things.
We are called to bear fruits of righteousness so the world can see God living in us. Remember, people remember and are moved to action far more my your own actions than your words.
Don’t just bring a talker, be a doer. Bear fruits for God! #createdformore #APurposeDrivenLife
Adonai's Appeal 