BACK IT UP
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him.” Titus 1:16a, NIV
Theme: Our actions do not save us, but they show that we are saved.
TALK ABOUT GOD
As an adolescent, I struggled to live consistently. I know now that young people try out all kinds of personality traits as part of their maturation process. At the time, I wasn’t sure of myself. I projected confidence but couldn’t always back up my big talk with action. I had a reputation that excluded me from wild parties and getting into drinking or drugs. Or maybe I was aloof? Or was it my parents who had the reputation? I’m actually not sure why I didn’t have to face pressure to drink or do drugs. Many of the people I knew did have those opportunities. What I do know is I talked about God and, sometimes, my actions agreed with that message.
BACK IT UP
There were some grand and lofty things I wanted to be identified with. I was the captain of the Color Guard. I was president of the Christian Club. I helped run Vacation Bible School for 4 years running. I went on international relief trips and attended my student group every week. But there was a boy I literally pushed over at the bus stop. I definitely tried out using curse words during all of 6th grade (though only at school!). I gossiped about people. I ghosted a few old friends, and I didn’t always acknowledge my church friends when I was in “public.” That wasn’t right. Sometimes I felt like I lived a double life. Probably because I did.
ACTION > TALK
Ultimately, it took years to become a more consistent person. I occasionally find myself tempted to compromise consistency because I’m tired, I want to fit in, or I feel I deserve a break.
It can be tempting to talk about God without doing what He says. A simple example is attending church. Believers know that joining a body for worship is beneficial. Yet many don’t prioritize it. That’s not all it takes to follow God, but it’s a start. We know serving helps the Body and grows our faith, but we are often busy and so “important” that we don’t serve others. “For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers” (Titus 1:10a, ESV), but it takes discipline, humility and a right relationship with God to do what Jesus did.
Our actions show our faith. They confirm it to us and to those around us. If you want to be sure of your faith, start doing what you see God doing. Read His Word. Pray. Love well. Prioritize family and God over earning more money. Action is better than talk - every single time. Do both (talk and act). But if you have to pick one, act like Jesus. The opportunity to share with words will come.
Make It Personal: In what ways are your words and actions inconsistent? What action have you felt God prompting you to take in this season? What would it take to DO what He says?
Pray: God thank You for providing clarity and the opportunity to follow You with my whole heart. Please help me to live consistently and do what I believe, not just talk about it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Read: James 1:22-27, Titus 1:7-11
Weekly Memory Verse: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27, ESV