Who I Say I Am

By F. D. Adkins

I cannot begin to count how many times in my life I have heard the statement, “actions speak louder than words.” As Christians, we are called to go out and share the Gospel. But as we tell others about Jesus, our actions should match our words. In other words, do we bear the fruits of the spirit, “…love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV)? Now, I am not speaking of perfection, because if we had the capability of being perfect and sinless, Jesus would not have had to suffer and die on the cross. Romans 3:23 says, “For we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Being a follower of Christ does not mean we won’t make mistakes. But being a follower of Christ means that we do our best not to. We may slip up, but we don’t intentionally sin or do things that we know go against the word of God.

Being a follower of Christ means we should want to strive daily to be more like Jesus.

So, how did this topic arise for this week’s post? Well, my Bible study was on Matthew, chapter 23. And as I read the words of Jesus, the statement above that I have heard so many times kept surfacing in my thoughts. “Actions speak louder than words.” I can go out and tell people about Jesus, but how effective will my words be if the person doesn’t see Jesus in my actions? What kind of witness can I be… what kind of testimony can I share… if the person I am sharing the Gospel with doesn’t see “good fruit” in my life?

“A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.” Matthew 7:18 KJV

In Matthew 23, Jesus is speaking about the scribes and Pharisees. In verse 3, Jesus points out that their words and their actions do not align. “All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.” (Matthew 23:3 KJV). One might say that the scribes and Pharisees weren’t practicing what they preached. Throughout the chapter, Jesus refers to them as ‘hypocrites’. Here is one example: “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.” (Matthew 23:27-28 KJV). These men were not who they were proclaiming themselves to be. And in verse 33, Jesus makes it clear how serious their offense is. “Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?” (KJV). This goes along with Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:21 where He says, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (KJV).

Now… back to my thoughts about witnessing. As I studied this chapter, the thing that stood out to me is how important it is for our actions to show our love for Jesus. If I truly love Jesus and I have truly accepted Him as my Lord and Savior, my actions will show it. James 1:22 KJV says, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves” (KJV). If my actions don’t show the love of Jesus and my life does not bear the fruits of the Spirit, I am deceiving myself.

So… the question to reflect on… AM I WHO I SAY I AM?

I pray that my life will reflect my love for Jesus. I pray that my life will be a stronger witness for Jesus than my words. If I say that I am a Christian, then everything I say and do should bring honor and glory to God. I pray that God will help me be WHO I SAY I AM… a sinner saved by grace… a follower of Christ… a child of the MOST HIGH… a daughter of the KING.