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The Weakness of Words

January 30th, 2009 by Jeremy Sprouse

It is said “the pen is mightier than the sword.” Words have great power. They can teach, convict, motivate, and persuade. They can make us smile, cry, laugh, or bring us to anger. Words do not, however, guarantee action. This weakness of words is apparently lost on many Christians. We hear the words; we say the words and think we are living a Christian life. Apparently, we think Christianity is just about words and not action. Consider two ways words are ineffective in the life of a Christian.
First, Christians can hear words, but not follow them. Many Christians have dedicated themselves to studying God’s Word. They attend church and Bible class regularly. Yet, they never put what they learn into practice. They are satisfied with merely knowing about God’s Word and what it teaches. In the parable of the wise and foolish builders (Matthew 7:24-27), Jesus explains the difference between standing and disaster—the difference is acting on the words of Jesus. The wise and the foolish builder both heard the words of Jesus, but merely hearing the words did not save the foolish builder’s house because he did not act upon those words. We may think we are living a Christian life, but if we do not put God’s Word into action in our lives we are merely deluding ourselves (James 1:22-25).
Second, Christians can say words, but not fulfill them. To some, saying they will be at church on Sunday is apparently enough because they never show up. To some, saying we should teach the lost is apparently enough because they never do it. To some, saying we should help the poor is apparently enough because they never lend a hand. In Matthew 21:28-30, Jesus tells a parable about two sons. One son said he would work, but never did. The other son said he would not, but changed his mind and went to work. It wasn’t what was said that was important; it was what they did that made the difference between obeying and disobeying the will of their father. Just saying the words is not enough (Matthew 7:21)!
In 1 Corinthians 4:20, Paul writes: “For the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power.” Actions—not words—will show the difference between him and his opponents. In the same way, it will be actions rather than words that will show the difference between those who are Christians and those who are pretending. God’s rule is shown in the lives of people not by what they say, but by what they do.

This entry was posted on Friday, January 30th, 2009 at 3:26 pm and is filed under Bulletin Articles.

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