Talk is Cheap!

By Renee Burt

Have you read the book of James lately? I was reading through it this morning, and I was reminded all over again that talk is cheap. It’s easy to say I’m a Christian, that I’m loved, that I’m forgiven, that I have the mind of Christ, that I’m the righteousness of God…but what’s NOT so easy is to live a life that doesn’t just say those things, but shows it. It boils down to things like this. Unless I told someone I was a Christian, would they know it because I easily forgive others? Or because I don’t say negative things about people, but I say things that build others up and point out their good qualities? Or because the words that come out of my mouth aren’t “a piece of my mind,” but they’re wisdom from the mind of God (found in His Word)? Or because my actions show the fruits of the spirit…love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, goodness, faith, self-control…instead of anger, impatience, meanness, stinginess, pessimism, or a lack of self control? Thankfully, we don’t have to get all of this right FIRST, before we can dare to call ourselves a Christian. It’s a process…and a painful one at times! But He’s there to help us every step along the way, and to applaud each successful step we take…just like any good Father would do. So enough talk…and let’s let the world SEE just who we are as a result of knowing Him!

James 2:14-17 MSG ~ Dear friends, do you think you’ll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it?… Isn’t it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?

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