Word and Deed

Our words and our actions make more of an impact than we sometimes think they do. The Bible, on several occasions warn us about each of those things. Yet the Scriptures also link those two things together quite often in positive ways, as well.

As I was reading this week in my own personal studies I read through the first few chapters of Genesis and John. Several times there was a mention of things people did. Noah, for example was asked to do several things in the saving of his family. God could have made a boat appear out of nowhere. After all, a few chapters before the flood he had spoken the whole Universe into existence so I’m pretty sure a boat would have been simple.

In other actions during the book of Genesis we see Adam and Eve disobeying, Cain killing Abel, and Abraham through faith leaving home. Actions vary. As do words - like Adam and Eve’s blame game, Abram’s lies to Pharaoh, as well as his wise words to Lot about how they shouldn’t fight because “we are brethren.”

Actions and Words.

One particular thing struck me in John 7. As different people around Jesus talked about Him several opinions were made known. There are several statements made about Him that would likely have all of us discouraged. Among some of those thoughts were:

1. He’s a good man (12).

2. He deceives people (12).

3. He’s uneducated (15).

4. He has a demon (20).

5. Do you know where He is from (27, 41)?

6. No one else speaks quite like He does (46).

I want you to notice the bookend statements. It’s all about his actions and his words. The rest are opinions and statements from people who were insecure about themselves or what they taught. They weren’t truth. Based on what we know about Jesus, the two bookend statements were accurate: He did good. He spoke of good things.

At the end of the chapter we see Nicodemus taking up for Him or at least keeping Him from further scrutiny. Look at what he says, “Our Law does not judge a man unless it first hears from him and knows what he is doing, does it” (51)?

So when people around you talk about you and about your work in the Lord, know that you are in good company because they did it to Jesus. Also remember that our words and deeds are the true witnesses to who we belong to:

“Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” - Colossians 3:17

- Ben