Introduction
There is something powerful about the words we speak. Positive words have a way of making you feel good and even making you smile. Some people are able to get up out of their beds on a daily basis because of the words they hear and read.
However, one can easily become discouraged when the people speaking words in and over their lives do not mean what they say. Some people use words to get what they want whether it is position in the church, politics, community and in one’s personal life and when they get what they want, they do not do what they say. For too long, we have equate great speeches with great leadership. Perhaps if the actions match the great speeches, then I would agree with them being great leaders but if the actions do not match the great speeches, then the great speeches are meaningless and disingenuous and you are just someone that speaks well.
I therefore challenge all of us including myself to act upon the words we speak. Walk the talk. If we are speaking about loving one another, then let us show it in actions. If we are speaking about unity, the let us show it in actions. If we are speaking about improving race relations, let us show it in actions. If you are encouraging people in public then don’t talk negatively about them behind their backs and throw shade at them. If you convince people to recruit you, then do your work and stop trying to talk you way out of things. If you say you are a Christian, then live a Christian life.
I suppose one may argue that our focus should be on the message and not the messenger. I believe we should focus on both the message and messenger. People believe in people, people influence and inspire people and when people say one thing and do something otherwise, it can dissuade others from pursuing the messages in the speeches. If you do not mean what you say, then why say it. If you mean what you say then do what you say. Do not set people’s hope up by your words. Show it in action too. WALK THE TALK.
Love
Love is an action word but unfortunately, we convince so many people that we love them by just saying the words “I love you”. Some of us get fooled by these words. There are smooth talkers out there who will convince you that they love you and soon thereafter their actions are far from their words. They abuse you; they use you; they talk down to you; they cheat on you; and they talk about you to others. They leave you and do not support you or stand with you when harm comes your way. These actions are not signs of love. Some people believe that love is expressed by having sex with each other, but do you know some people tell you they love you just to have sex with you.
1 John 3:18 stated “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”
Unity
Unity is a term that most people uses frequently. The church say let us come together because we are serving one God but yet we do not come together and support one another. We focused so much on our denomination or “our church” but yet we serve the same God.
In the political world, there is a public clarion call for unity but yet those same very people are tearing down and attacking others because the opinions expressed by others do not align with the views of the political party. How can we call for unity and at the same time promote division? Division and unity are opposite to each other. If you want unity, then continue with the plans that you met in place especially if they are good for the country. Get the best people on board for advice no matter their political affiliation.
Families are torn apart over a lot of misunderstanding. Brothers and sisters are not talking to each other. Children are not speaking with their parents. This is not God’s plan for families.
“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” (1 Corinthians 1:10)
Race
Racial issues existed from the beginning of time. Blacks and whites join demonstrations and protests to show solidarity but the demonstrations become meaningless if our actions remain the same and no changes take place. Speaking out and marching are not good enough. We need to stand up and show the world that we want to improve race relations by treating all people the same.
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)
Consistency in encouragement.
There are many people who encourage others in public on their successes but
secretly they do not mean them well at all. Why encourage people publicly when
you do not mean it? It is best not to say anything all.
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
All talk and no work
Some people have been promoted on the job or recruited for a job all because of the great talk during the interviews. However, there is only so much one can get away with pure talks. Their performance must be measured by their actions on the job.
“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:17)
Christian life
Too many of us say we are Christians but yet the life we live is contrary to the word of God. We talk the Christian talk but we are not living the Christian life. For instance, some of us refuse to forgive others. Some of us do not love others. I want to remind you of Matthew 7:16 “By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?”
Conclusion
The world is full of charmers, manipulating people and playing on the emotions of others. However, when the truth comes out, these people will be devastated. Let us make the world a better place by doing what we speak. WALK THE TALK