Words or Deeds

In the ninth century before Christ, the Syrian army, under Benhadad, invaded Israel. Benhadad demanded of Israel’s king all of his silver and gold, as well as the best of the king’s wives and children (1 Kings 20:5). Believe it or not, King Ahab agreed.

The next day Benhadad increased his demands. He would send his representatives into Samaria. They would search the palace of the king and houses of the leading men of the city. Anything of value would become the property of the Syrian king. This was more than Ahab could stomach. He refused.

Benhadad was enraged. When he was done with Samaria it would be so thoroughly destroyed that it would not be possible to give each of his men a handful of the dust from the ruble of the city. It was then that Ahab replied, “Tell him: ‘One who puts on his armor should not boast like one who takes it off'” (1 Kings 20:11). Sure enough, Benhadad would have to eat his words. With God’s help, Israel defeated the Syrian army. Only Benhadad and a few of his officers managed to escape on horseback.

Actions speak louder than words

It is easy to boast, but it can be very difficult to perform as promised. Actions speak louder than words. One does not prove his valor in time of war with words, but with deeds of heroism. One does not establish himself on the field of competition with words, but by deeds. It’s not the one who talks the best game, but the one who plays the best game that comes out on top.

It is not enough to just declare our love

There is a spiritual application. It is not enough to declare our love. Love, to be validated, must be demonstrated by deeds. John admonished his readers: “Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth” (1 John 3:18). The real proof of our love is not in what we say but what we do!

It is also not enough to say, “I believe!”

James asked, “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has not deeds? Can such a faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his 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).

What about our relationship with God?

Remember, words without deeds are worthless.

— Roger

MARCH 18, 2012