August 23, 2015

Let our actions do the speaking

2 Corinthians 3:1-3

Do we begin again to commend ourselves? Or do we need, as some others, epistles of commendation to you or letters of commendation from you? You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.

Encouraging Words

I was raised in a household, and an age in our society where I often heard truisms like: "Talk is cheap!" "Put your money where your mouth is!" "Actions speak louder than words!" Here Paul lashes out at those who are purporting to be better than him, more godly than him, because they have some letters, most likely forged, of commendation touting their authority. This phenomenon still continues today. We see all kinds of "personal" opinion on government, politics, Christianity, and every other aspect of life, often given because of some letter of commendation, whether it be a diploma or a list of books read and acting as if this proves that experience backs up this letter. Is there any wonder why the scriptures, and especially our Lord, tell us that we will be measured by the fruit of our labor and not our thoughts, words, and theories that come out of our mouths. Still, "Actions speak louder than words!" Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!