I'm sure you've heard about how our actions can sometimes speak louder than our words. It's kind of insinuating that well, talk is cheap. Sadly, it often is. Wouldn't life be great if our words simply matched our actions? But to answer the question: Is talk cheap? I submit to you, that it may depend on your definition of the word cheap.
One of the hardest things for me to accept is the very fact of this half truth. If someone says they will meet me at such and such a place, at such and such a time, with so and so, I kinda expect those plans to come to fruition. Or how about when a close friend says the simple yet profound words, " I love you", I wouldn't expect them to turn around and later lie to, steal from or slander me. Yet sadly, this occurs. Harm was done, intended or not. Aquaintances and/or close friends alike are seperated. Frankly, what are we to do with the offense?
In all honesty, try as we may, our actions are going to fail to match our words on all occassions. We will have hurts to hurdle, misconceptions to rectify and a host of other potential fallouts from our words not equating our actions or those words and actions of others. So how do we handle when things like this happen? I'm almost positive that there are no easy answers. But when I thought about it, things like this could actually be turned into blessings if we will allow them to be. I'm not saying that friendships will always survive after an offense, yet they will be different in some way.
Now I understand, from experience mind you, that relational turmoil doesn't feel good. It even can make us sick, literally. But aside from the struggle for a moment, just how does one count evil for good? I am in no way an expert on this subject by any means. Yet I've observed that many times we justify knowing what's best for us. From the preferences of the friends we select, the decision of employment we make, to the actions, thoughts and words we choose to incorporate into our daily lives, wisdom often eludes us. So how can we really know for sure if our decisions are going to bring success? I rarely, if ever fully trust in my own knowledge of a subject to do things and know what's best in any given situation. Even deciding on what to eat for breakfast can sometimes cause a minor dilema! But here's what I've been learning and that is, to seek God's word on matters that sequencially, and randomly arise. His word is filled with guidance, direction and wisdom. Ah-haaaah! Thank God that He offers such help, and comfort to boot through His Holy Spirit!
Just because the knowledge and information lies at our fingertips doesn't necessarily mean we'll perfectly know how to appropriate it. Prayer is such an important key factor here that cannot be overlooked. Rather than it being a time of coming to God and always asking for things, it can be a blessed time of communion. It's here that I tend to listen for His voice. I want to hear Him remind me of His love, and His ultimate purpose for my life. Then, at His leading do what He calls me to do. Aligning my will to His, if you will.
Okay, so you've been slighted, whether intentionally or not. Someone's actions didn't quite match what their words professed. Saddened? Painful? Disillusioned? Yes. End of the world? It may feel like it, but friend, God hasn't brought you to this place to let you down! His purposes are far greater than we can sometimes assimilate in the process of the issue at hand. But what if we gifted the person who wronged us, with forgiveness (not justifying the offense, but not allowing it to negatively define who you are)? What if we looked at our own personal times of failure? Would we not offer more grace then to our offender? Like I said above, not easy questions or easy answers but in Him, solid character development is progressively in the works! Question is, will we allow Him to conform us into the image of His dear Son through the offenses? What will your resolution be? Regardless of how you answer, you're not alone. It's a continual challenge for me too!
Endeavor to speak words of honesty and act accordingly, yes! But don't allow your own personal failure or the failure of others steal your joy or hinder your progress in becoming more like the One who died for you. I'll guarantee that when we see our own weaknesses and the weaknesses of others, giving bold testimony to the fact of our human frailty, that we will undeniably see His strength, majesty, wisdom, presence and power shining all the more brighter!
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