Words = Actions?

Do your words and actions align?

The other day, I saw a woman at church with her family.  She was happy and laughing and enjoying her husband and 3 kids.  They stopped to talk to several people after the service and she was gracious and friendly.  I noticed her because she seemed so spirit-filled and joyous.

Oddly enough, we ended up in the same store later that day.

As she and her daughter were in the dressing room trying on clothes, I was completely floored by the words that came out of her mouth.  She was curt and hateful.  She sounded like a sailor and was hurtful in the words she said to her daughter about her appearance.

I forced myself to walk away because I was paralyzed in astonishment.

You might have two responses to this story:

1. I’ve witnessed the same thing and it is mind-blowing!
2. Darn it, that was Carey outside the dressing room!  😉

Look, if you are not the same person sitting in the pews as you are out on the pavement…  how do I say this gently…  you’ve got a problem.

Have you heard that saying, “You may be the only Bible someone reads?”  What it’s saying is that your actions speak louder than your words.  Does anyone disagree?

• When someone says they’re your friend but are always unavailable… you begin to believe their actions rather than their words.
• When your spouse says you’re the most important person in their life, but goes out with their friends all the time… you begin to believe the actions instead.
• When your boss tells you you’re the best qualified employee but you never get the high-profile projects… his words become untrustworthy.

Actions speak louder.

And believe me when I tell you there are those watching your actions!  You may not even know who they are, but when someone know you’re a “church-goer” for lack of a better word… they will watch your every move.

They want to see how you handle life.  Anger.  Death.  Joy.  They’ll watch how you handle money.  They will watch how you treat others.  They will look for your words and your actions to align.

Do they?  Why not find out…

Think of 3 people who you trust and know would answer honestly.  Ask them these questions:

1. Would others know I am a Christ-follower.  Why or why not?
2. Am I the same person in church as I am out of church?  Why or why not?
3. Do my words and actions line up?  Why or why not?

Let your words and actions be in sync.  If they aren’t… then do something about it.

©2010 careyscotttalks.com