Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Words or Actions?

It's no secret that I am a word geek. I love words. I'm one of those people who actually delights in puns; clever plays on words make me smile. And of course, I love to read; a well-turned phrase can quickly transport me into a fictional world of adventure, quicken my heart, or convict my soul. And the blogworld is full of inspired writers who make me laugh and challenge me daily.

But I've been thinking how easily at times the words can roll off of our tongues or through our typing fingers, especially related to spiritual matters, while the heart can remain untouched. How easily we I can pray a lofty prayer and walk away only to ignore a need or grump at my kids.

It struck me yesterday that God must sometimes feel a bit like Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady:


Only He might change the words to something like this:

Words! Words! Words! I’m so sick of words!
I get words all day through;
First from her, now from you!
Is that all you Christians can do?

Don’t talk of all
My glories above;
If Me you love, show Me!
Mere sacrifice, I don’t desire.
If you’re on fire,
Show Me!

Here we are together
As you have your quiet time!
Don’t pray with words
Grand and sublime.

If you really love Me
You will just do what I ask;
Take off that spiritual mask!

Wasn't your heart
Changed by My touch?
Don’t say how much,
Show Me! Show Me!
Don’t talk! Obey--that gets My “wow”!
Make Me no unfulfilled vow.
Show Me now!

Sing me no song!
Read me no verse!
Don’t just converse!
Show Me!

Don’t talk of faith, don’t talk of trust!
Your deeds are a must,
Show Me!

I’ve become so weary hearing
You speak empty words.
There isn’t one
I haven’t heard.

Here we are together
And My Spirit is in you:
Your life I long to renew!

Haven’t your arms
Longed to meet needs?
Faith must have deeds.
Show Me! Show Me!

Don’t wait until
Life’s waning years
To put your hand to the plow.
Show Me now!

(c) Mocha with Linda 2008 - with apologies to Alan J. Lerner/Frederick Loewe!


Now I certainly don't mean to suggest that God tires of hearing our prayers. The Bible says our prayers are incense before His throne. But Scripture also tells us that He is displeased when our mouths utter words that are inconsistent with our hearts and actions.

Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. Ecclesiastes 5:2

You have wearied the LORD with your words. Malachi 2:17

"Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD ? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. 1 Samuel 15:22

"If you love me, you will obey what I command." John 14:15

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. I John 3:18

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. James 2:26

Oh Lord, may the words of my mouth be pleasing to You. And may I not be content with mere words, but may I show my love for You with the actions of my life.

View blog reactions

13 comments:

Renee said...

enjoy your blog - nice comments/readings today!

Anonymous said...

Love it! Love it!

Thanks for stopping by my blog party. And thanks for the invite to yours. Anytime Mocha is mentioned...I am there!

Cheryl said...

What a good word (no pun intended!)
So often, I stop by people's blogs and I get the feeling they're trying to be the next Beth Moore or something! God wants to see real changes not just talk about change!
Thanks for being real with us!
Love you!

Chris @ Come to the Table said...

Linda,
Excellent reminder! It is so easy to write things, and yet live totally differently, very convicting.

I have been away from my computer most of the week and therefore have not left any comments. I have missed the interaction, but have much to do in real life and ministry.

Kelly @ Love Well said...

As a less poetic singer once said, "A little less talk and a lot more action." I don't think he had spiritual truths in mind when he penned the lyrics, but they fit.

2nd Cup of Coffee said...

I have to remember that while words are my first love language, service is even more important. And attitude. thanks for the reminder.

Alene said...

Love it, girl! Awesome thoughts. Hope you are having a great day :)

Connie Barris said...

great "words"...
I love them.. they just don't come easy.. I have to work at them...

btw. I fixed the attachment on the blog...

thanks
Connie

Heather said...

Ouch! Words are meaningless unless accompanied by action. I am so guilty of this myself. It's easier to talk than to walk. Love the adaptation to My Fair Lady :)

Tes283 said...

Amen to that and GOD bless. LOL thank you for the laugh.
and for your kind and truthful thoughts.

Lisa @ The Preacher's Wife said...

truly inspired my friend...you are a wordsmith i reckon!

Anonymous said...

WOW! So well said. I have been teaching about this very subject in Sunday School. I will just have to quote your poem. My heart is pierced evrytime I hear the words of Jesus, "Why do you call me Lord, Lord and do not the things I say?" Thanks for the reminder, friend.

Kelli

Xandra@Heart-of-Service said...

Wow. This one was really like an arrow through my heart. Thank you for the encouraging scripture....

Xandra