Action

biblelogo

Bible Store

 

Action

THE LORD SAID STAND UP

Joshua tore his clothes and fell face down to the ground before the ark of the Lord after Israel had been defeated at Ai, but the Lord told Joshua that his self-abasement should end.

    The Lord said to Joshua, “Stand up! What are you doing down on your face?” -- Joshua 7:10

THEY REMAINED TO TALK

Concerning the tribe of Reuben, Deborah sang:

    In the districts of Reuben there was much searching of heart. Why did you stay among the campfires to hear the whistling for the flocks? -- Judges 5:15-16

When the call to battle was sounded, the tribe of Reuben organized, not a military force, but lively debates and discussions - a counterpart, perhaps, of ineffectual committee meetings of our day.

WHEN DISCUSSION IS FATAL

After hearing Paul’s eloquent defense, Festus and Agrippa retired to discuss the affair, and apparently never moved beyond the point of discussion.

    They left the room, and while talking with one another, they said, “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.” Agrippa said to Festusm, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.” -- Acts 26:31-32

A WORK TO BE FINISHED

Many a good work, begun with resolution and enthusiasm, has dwindled to inaction. Paul advised the Corinthians:

    Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. -- 2 Corinthians 8:11

WORDS OR ACTION?

Words come easily; actions more slowly. Yet we are measured, not by what we say, but by what we do.

    There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, “Son, go and work today in the vineyard.”

    “I will not,” he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.

    Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, “I will, sir,” but he did not go.

    Which of the two did what his father wanted? -- Matthew 21:28-31

    Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. -- 1 John 3:18

ALIEN ACTIONS

Of those who piously speak the name of the Lord even while their actions are alien to his will.

    You are always on their lips but far from their hearts. -- Jeremiah 12:2

TRANSLATING BELIEF INTO ACTION

Jesus spoke of those who professed to believe what he said, yet neglected to translate their beliefs into action by describing two houses: one which, without a strong foundation, was unable to withstand a storm; and another which, set firmly upon a rock, remained unmoved and undamaged.

    Why do you call me, “Lord, Lord,” and do not do what I say? - Luke 6:46

Suggested reading

Overview of Bible Study