WORDS AND ACTION
For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Ghost… (1 Thessalonians 1:5).
We teach about the importance and the power of words, but did you know that words and actions go together? For example, words alone are not enough for us to express the full measure of our devotion, especially in our praise and worship of God.
In many contexts in Scriptures, we see how God gave us the precedence of words and actions going together. For example, Genesis 2:7 tells us, “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” He didn’t use words only in creating man.
Also, in his admonition about walking in love, the Apostle John emphasizes the importance of demonstrating love through actions rather than merely through words: “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18). The Bible underscores the necessity of action to complement words. Even in expressing our thanksgiving to the Lord, we voice our appreciation and adoration of Him, but we’re also required to bring an offering to Him as a demonstration of our worship and gratitude.
Thus, it’s a common thread throughout Scripture: our deeds must accompany our words to make our worship and faith complete. In 1 Thessalonians 1:5, as read in the theme verse, we see that the Gospel didn’t come to the Christians in Thessalonica in word only, but in power and in the Holy Ghost. Our preaching must be accompanied by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Similarly, in James 1:22-25, we are enlightened that it’s the doer of the Word that is blessed, not the mere hearer. In Matthew 15:8-9, the Lord speaks against those whose worship consists of mere words, showing that such worship lacks the sincerity that should accompany true praise. Words alone, without corresponding action, are insufficient in expressing our devotion to the Lord. It also reminds of what the Bible says about faith without works or corresponding action—it’s dead: “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” (James 2:26).
PRAYER
Dear Father, I live in alignment with your Word as I express my love, gratitude and worship through my words and actions, through my offerings and different oblations. I honour you fully, empowered by the Holy Spirit to worship you in spirit and in truth, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
1 Thessalonians 1:5 NIV , James 1:21-25, 1 John 3:18 AMPC
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 13:1-30, 2 Kings 20-22
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 13:12-23, Numbers 30
