“But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves” (James 1:22).
That faith is to be objectively proved out should come as no surprise to James’ audience, reflecting the teachings of both Jesus (Mt.7:12-27, 25:31-46) and Paul (Romans 2:13). Even children in the schoolyard say, “Prove it,” to the subjective claims of a classmate. The proverbial statement, “Actions speak louder than words,” means “louder” in terms of honesty and clarity, not decibels. Because words can be too easily crafted, it is our actions that prove to be the most reliable indicators of our beliefs. Where the volume of our faith rhetoric does not align with a virtuous life, all credibility is lost. In a world that does not want to hear you speak of your faith, you can be certain that they will watch you in the living of your faith.
Bobby Dagnel 