He Did What Now? He said it with actions, not just words.

I would say that we live in an extremely social world, wouldn’t you? Every day, we spend countless hours in class or at work surrounded by new and old faces. Even after our school or work hours are over, we plan to spend weekends and free time with family or friends. Not only do we interact with people through work and school every day, but we’re able to connect with those we know closely and absolute strangers on the internet. With the click of a few buttons, we can share details of our lives with thousands upon thousands of people.

The more people we come in contact with, the more and more opportunities we get to encourage others through the love of Christ. And sure, we can (and should) tell people of this love… but, sometimes, it’s a struggle to say things about personal faith or Christianity in general (and this is coming from someone who performs worship at 2 churches, has a faith-based blog, faith-based social media, and a faith-based podcast in the works). So, what do you do when your words fail you in this extremely and increasingly social world we live in? I’m a firm believer that actions speak louder than words, especially in the social climate we live in today. And this is backed-up Biblically; “Little children, let us not love in word and talk, but in deed and truth” - 1 John 3:18. So, how can we as Christians show the love of Christ through our actions or our being? While there are a number of ways we can do this, this week we’re going to take a close look into 4 verses that, when written on our heart, can change how we respond to the world around us.

Why don’t we start by jumping back a couple verses in 1 John?

The first time I read this verse, I remember thinking, “....Wait…. I have to die for someone???” While this is obviously where our brains tend to go first, it’s important to read the verse right after - that if you have the world’s goods, but see someone in need and close your heart to them, how is that a representation of God’s love? Now, I’m not exactly saying to walk around prepared to physically die for others or to sell everything you own, but what I am saying is that it’s important to take inventory of your own life and open your heart to those around you.

“Laying down our lives” can have many meanings. Maybe, it’s taking 10 minutes or a whole afternoon to spend quality time with someone you know needs company. Maybe, it means volunteering your time to a good cause that helps men, women, and children in need. Maybe it’s donating your clothes to a shelter or church. Maybe, it’s simply being there for one single person in a time of need. In each of these scenarios, there is a common thread - putting another person ahead of yourself, to ensure that they feel known and loved. After all, don’t we all want to know and be known? To love and be loved? One of the best ways we can help people feel known and loved is by putting our time where our mouth is. At the end of the day, are you using the precious minutes, hours, and days you have to encourage others? To open your heart to your brother or sister? One of my first and favorite things I ever heard my pastor preach was this - “You have no idea what God can do in someone’s life when you invite them into yours.” That is how we know love - when someone puts aside themselves, as Christ did, in order for us to know what an open heart feels like.

Let’s break down what each of these things mean (in the Ancient Greek it was originally written in, of course)…

LOVE: ἀγάπη, (agapē) - the highest form of love; charity, unconditional love, the love of God for humans and the love of humans for God.

JOY: χαρά, (chara) - joy, gladness, delight, or rejoicing, bliss

PEACE: εἰρήνη, (eirēnē) - used to translate the Hebrew “shalom”; sense of inner rest, well being, harmony, ultimate reconciliation through relationship with God

PATIENCE: μακροθυμία, (makrothumia) - forbearance, long-suffering, endurance

KINDNESS: χρηστότης, (chrēstotēs) - moral goodness, integrity, benignity

GOODNESS: ἀγαθωσύνη, (agathōsynē) - uprightness of heart and life

GENTLENESS: πραΰτης, (prautēs) - mildness or meekness, humility

FAITHFULNESS: πίστις, (pistis) - personification of trust, confidence, and reliability 

SELF-CONTROL: ἐγκράτεια· (enkrateia) - in power; a state of power over something, usually a state of self-mastery where one hold power over one’s own passions and instincts

Wow! I’m really just throwing you into an ancient language here, huh? Take a moment and really consider these words and their meanings. How can you incorporate these qualities into your everyday life? Can you practice patience and endurance at work? Can you keep rejoicing, even in times of uncertainty? Can you hold power over your passions and instincts? Can you embody “shalom”? All of these virtues can be revealed in your everyday life without saying a word. I can promise you that people we’ll see it, and even comment on it. Not only will you bless other people by practicing these virtues, but you will ultimately strengthen your anchor in Christ.

The reason that this blog even exists is partially due to this verse. You see, I took a class my senior year of college called “Influencing Culture as a Christian in the Entertainment Industry”.... Or something like that (forgive me, it was a loooong name). Anyway, the point of this class was to explore how as Chrisitan we can influence and shape the entertainment industry. Did the songs we wrote have to be worship songs in order to share Christ or His teachings? Could we create artwork that reflected the face of Jesus without ever drawing his physical features? Were there ways to sing, act, and dance in a way that honored God without being in a “Christian” movie or band?

The answer we collectively found was a firm yes. Whether you’re an accountant, a doctor, a drive-thru cashier, or a stay-at-home parent, the work doesn’t lie in what you do, but why you do it and who you do it for. You don’t have to be in ministry to have a “Christian” career. To do good business, in any profession, is to honor the Lord, regardless of whether you’re crunching numbers or decorating a cake (or even writing a blog). Whatever you do, work - no STRIVE for the LORD. 

And, again, the truth of Jesus lies in the action… in how you treat your employees or employers, in how you handle your money, and in the values you demonstrate in your workplace.

Maybe, you’ve read this whole piece and thought to yourself, “I don’t know, Kennedy. It seems like too much.” And, you know what? You’re right, it’s quite a cross to carry. So, let’s take it back to the basics… the golden rule kind of basic.

If you are ever struggling with how to demonstrate the love of God, ask yourself, “How would I want to be treated?” Do you want to be treated honestly and fairly? Do you want to be treated with a little extra patience and compassion? Do you want to be spoken to in a kind and respectful manner? Do you appreciate when someone makes you laugh?

At the end of the day, human nature is a fickle thing. We’re a species that instinctively wants to self-preserve and self advance; that’s why verses like 1 John 3:16-17 can be so hard. We don’t like to sacrifice - it’s okay to admit it. It doesn’t change that we’re called to do it anyway. So, when push comes to shove, use that mindset of self-preservation against itself - ask yourself, “How would I want to be treated? What would make me satisfied?” I promise, even without words, people are going to notice when you put this into practice through your actions.

Overall, regardless of the words you speak or the actions you take, just remember we are to love God and love people. That simple 5 word command will carry you far, and will bless the path you walk and the people you walk it with.