Known by our Actions

"Do what I say and not what I do". I grew up hearing those words more than once, and every time they'd go down like I'd just swallowed a fish bone. To translate, it should of sounded something like, "I'm expecting you to do or act in a way I have no intention of myself". It was hypocrisy...pure and simple! Don't tell me 'til you can show me!

There are people in courtrooms across the land pleading that their intentions be considered above their actions as if what they've done just somehow "happened" mysteriously. How can someone honestly say that what they've done was completely unintentional- an act apart from their will? They may have known better, but they're actions certainly were what they intended.

As leaders, our actions speak so much louder than what we say. What we do is being critiqued constantly. No matter how well-meaning our intentions or eloquence, it's ultimately our actions that people judge. In fact, with one careless act, someone could invalidate even the most well-crafted, well-meaning words.

When instructing his young leader about the qualifications of an Overseer, the Apostle Paul wrote Timothy , "...he must have a good testimony among those who are outside lest he fall into reproach..." (1 Timothy 3:7). That good testimony is established through the actions and conduct amongst others- especially amidst those outside the faith.

In the Book of James we read that with our words we can bridle our whole body (James 3:2), but if our conduct isn't in harmony with our words, it's our words that become invalid not our actions. Our words and actions should align however, our actions will always override our words.

Someone once said, "I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day; I'd rather have one walk beside me than merely point the way." As Ben Franklin was quoted as saying, "A good example is the best sermon."

Would you agree that our actions speak louder than our words?

Where Are You Going?

You've probably heard it said, "If you don't know where you're going how will you know when you get there?" In the same way, if you don't set some goals or have direction for your life, how will you know when you've successfully accomplished your task? You could be wasting valuable time and energy as you wander aimlessly.

Successful people are successful on purpose, they've planned to get "there". Too often people get frustrated, discouraged and end up quiting not because of good intentions but because of poor direction...not having a clear goal. Having clear goals increases focus and helps you concentrate your energy; they help insure greater results.

As a believer in Christ, your first goal should be to consider Jesus "lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls" (Hebrews 12:3 NKJV). Get in the habit of looking to Him for guidance. He should of course, be the ultimate purpose to your life, but he also wants to help you get there. As author of many of those dreams and desires, he's committed to helping you on your journey to completion. He'll also teach you how to deal effectively with the frustrations and setbacks that arise along the way.

How are you going to accomplish those dreams? Start by clarifying your intentions on paper. Begin to set some goals. Even if you end up revising them, start by writing out your thoughts. Writing them out helps you capture what's going on inside.

Another tip to setting clear goals is to get additional input from someone you trust and can confide in, especially the larger the task. You might be surprised by what you can't see. An outside perspective can often provide an angle you hadn't thought of, but ultimately, it provides greater clarity.

Finally, J.C. Penney once said,"Give me a stock clerk with a goal and I'll give you a man who will make history. Give me a man with no goals and I'll give you a stock clerk." If you have hopes of a successful endeavor, plan on it by setting goals. They won't eliminate obstacles, but they can help insure you stay moving in the right direction to your success!