Actions and Words

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. (James 2:14-17)
 
There is an age-old saying that advises us, “Don’t just talk the talk, but walk the walk!” We’ve heard this statement numerous times. People say this phrase when they want action. They don’t want to just hear what someone has to say; they want to see the person back up their words with their behavior.  
 
Sadly, this seems to be a problem with people in the church today. There is a sense of “cultural Christianity” where people claim to be Christians with their mouths, but their actions say otherwise. If we are diligent followers of Christ and pointing other people to Him, our words and actions must match.  
 
Let me ask a question: If someone were to compare the way you talk about your faith with the way you act out your faith, would the two be consistent? Or would there be some discrepancies?  
 
This is a question we should be asking ourselves on a daily basis. Not only are people listening to what we say about following Christ; but also, they are seeing if our lives prove we are following Him. Let’s do our best to verify our faith with our actions. I pray that God would give us the power, diligence, and grace to set a good example for those who have never surrendered their lives to Him.