Words and Deeds
For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:10-13
One of my favorite discussion topics centers around salvation. It can get particularly touchy around the topic of who is to be sent to eternal damnation. The focus often goes to one’s awareness of who God is and their subsequent rejection. My view seems to be in the minority at times, which is a warning to myself to always pray and confirm if I am following either God’s or my own path. However, this is one that I have always felt correct on because it is not focused on what others act on. It is on how I must respond for God. If someone is told of the Gospel and still chooses to reject it, I should not write them off to damnation. My duty is to continue representing God through every action by words and deeds. It is not just a responsibility of mine to share the Gospel. It is also to be a shining example of what the Gospel is in my life. This is very much in line with what Jesus said in The Sermon on the Mount saying, “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:14-16)
Being God’s representative means representing Him through your heart. Looking back on my baptism, I appreciate what it meant to not only myself but also my family. The water was cold, and the pastor joked with me telling me to ‘man up.’ Because I did not prerecord my testimony, unexpectedly I was asked to give my testimony while still shivering. The thing is that I don’t remember being cold while talking. My words were, “There are a lot of falsehood being taught about who God is, but if you just believe in His grace, you can make it!” That was over 20 years ago. While it was important to profess my faith in front of a thousand people, it was far more important that my heart was driven to learn about who God was more than any words I could possibly say. It helped me better understand what God’s plan for my life was while He further built my heart to grow for Him. If we talk about who God is, people will not just accept it based on what we say. They will accept it based on how we show up in the world, and nothing speaks louder than our actions. A few weeks ago, I wrote how our words have an impact on others’ perception. When we reveal our hearts, people hear our words in context to who we are for as we love God, we love others as God does.
God’s word means nothing without His heart. God said to Ezekiel, “Son of man, let all my words sink deep into your own heart first. Listen to them carefully for yourself.” (Ezekiel 3:10b) Sharing God’s word is a vital part of our own walk of faith. It is important to note that it is best shared not only with our head but also with our heart. Let us have the heart to share what we know to be true about the living God. Where is your heart when you are sharing the Gospel? How can you take God’s word into your heart? My prayer is when it comes to God, we speak from the heart with both our words and deeds. Amen