Walk the Talk

    

    Do you ever find yourself questioning the authenticity of someone's words? We've all been there, wondering if the promises made to us hold any real weight. This age-old phrase, "Actions speak louder than words," reminds us that true intentions are best revealed through what we do rather than what we say.

    A remarkable story from 1994 perfectly illustrates this idea. Russel Herman, a man who passed away at the age of 67, left behind a will with grand declarations. He pledged $2 billion to the city of East St. Louis, another half-billion for the national forest system, and a staggering $6 trillion to the federal government to help pay off the national debt. But there was a catch – when Russel passed away, his only asset was a 1983 Oldsmobile.

    While we might assume Russel had noble intentions, his lack of tangible assets meant his promises were empty. This story serves as a powerful lesson: nice words mean little if they are not backed by genuine action.

We can draw valuable insights from Russel's story:

1. Genuine Effort Matters: Kind words are lovely, but they must be matched by equally kind actions. When we say we care for someone or love them, we must show it through our deeds. 

2. Consistency is Key: Mixed messages arise when our actions do not align with our words. If we profess love but fail to demonstrate it, others will doubt our sincerity.

    The Apostle Paul also emphasized the importance of genuine love in his epistle: 

"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Out do one another in showing honor." (Romans 12:9-10)

Practical Applications: How to Walk the Talk

Here are some ways to ensure that your actions reflect your words:

·        Show Appreciation: Take time each day to express gratitude to those around you. Simple acts of kindness, like thanking someone or acknowledging their efforts, go a long way. You would be surprised how many times we fail to acknowledge the love, and care others have shown us. When we express gratitude to them it sends a message that we deeply care for all they do and what they mean to us. 

·        Be Reliable: If you make a promise, keep it. Consistency builds trust and credibility. Trust is the one thing that when you lose it, it is difficult and sometimes impossible to get it back. Guard your integrity! Be the kind of person others can depend on. Remember it is better to say you can't do something, then say you can when your not really sure you can. The bible tells us to let our yes be yes and our no be no. 

·        Practice Active Listening: Show genuine interest in others by listening to them attentively. This demonstrates respect and care. There is a reason why God gave you two ears but one mouth! Sometimes people just need to be heard. When we take the time and the attention to really listen to what others are saying. We are showing them that we really do care about them. 

·        Take Initiative: Don’t wait for opportunities to help – create them. Don't be apart of the problem by complaining about what is wrong, be apart of the solution. Whether it's volunteering for a cause or offering assistance to a colleague, proactive kindness makes a difference. Instead of looking for others to get involved, take the initiative and actively help and serve others. 

    In conclusion, while words can inspire and comfort, it is our actions that truly define who we are. By aligning our deeds with our words, we create a legacy of authenticity and trustworthiness. Remember, the smallest actions can have the most significant impact.