In Other Words--Act on What You Believe

"The way you think determines the way you feel, and the way you feel determines the way you act.”
~Rick Warren~

Have you ever observed someone whose actions did not measure up to what they professed to believe? Maybe they talked about wanting to live debt free yet repeatedly used their credit card. Or they lamented the need to get into shape, but never made an effort to get any exercise. Did they say they wanted to be a part of someone's life, yet they ignored invitations to get together?

If you met this kind of person, did you continue to believe them when they spoke of things they wanted to be or have? Or, did you begin to assume that what they said was not really that important to them at all? I'd be willing to guess that it was the latter.

This same principle holds true in my walk with God. I can say I want a relationship, but if I never make any effort to show up at his, oh, million invitations a day, then do I really want it? If I never sit down and read His word, do I truly love His truth? If I never allow Him to take my breath away with a sunrise or sunset, do I admire His creativity? If I never grace the doorway of a church, do I care about His family? Words are easy to say, but our actions betray what we really think and feel.

My pastor often repeats "If what you believe does not affect how you act, you don't really believe it."

It's true.

What are your actions betraying today?

"Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him." Matthew 12:33-35

Father God, please take the intentions that I speak and grow them into passions that I feel and actions that I take. Forgive me when I say one thing and then act differently. Continue to draw into alignment my declarations and actions. Allow me to show your consistency when others look into my life that they may know You are guiding my thoughts, feelings and actions. Amen.

Debbie is our hostess this week! Please visit her blog to find other reflections on this quote.