Actions Speak Louder than Words

by Dave Newell

James 3:13-18

“Who is wise and understanding among you?” Great question, but he goes one step further when he adds: “By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.” Wisdom, what is it? What people say. As we look at our world, we may ask one another, who is considered wise?

• Boomers say: Pope Francis, Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, Barak Obama, King Soloman, Queen Elizabeth.
• Millennials and Gen Z say: Fred Rogers, Dalai Lama, Angela Merkel, Jeff Bezos, Mother Teresa, Pope Francis, Yoko Ono

Qualities of the wise based on the wise men from the Bible:

They see truth everywhere – Wise people love truth, they hunger for learning, they live their lives as a quest for enlightenment. They are willing to step outside their own tribe or peculiar discipline.
They see through others quickly noting pretenses and ulterior motives.
Wise people see what really matters.

New psychology.

The following wisdom ideas come from current thought, not from religion or philosophy, but from what wise people appear to be and how they operate in the present world. Overall, we conclude, wisdom is knowing the right thing to do, in the right way, at the right time, in the right context. Five attributes of wise persons:

• Self-regulate emotions so they may think clearly about which decisions or actions may bring about a positive outcome.
• They are virtuous. They act, make decisions, counsel others in ways that are mindful of the well-being of all involved. All people thrive in relationships in which everyone flourishes.
• They see and recognize patterns. One must have enough experience to glean from and to discern how and when to apply knowledge and experiences.
• Their ability to decide between three possible responses in their environment – Adapt, seek to shape their situation, or seek a new environment.
• They make the best of bad situations. Wise people know that the way we weather deep disappointment has a significant impact on the person we become.

Are these what James is focusing on? How does the wisdom of the world relate to real life? When we are radically different, behaving in ways other than what the majority expect, we are able to influence other people’s lives. Consider my experience in living in truth and demonstrating the application of Christlike attributes. Those of the world associate with us without choosing to do what we do, but they definitely notice when we stand out in our truthfulness.

Illustrations: Reputation and lifestyle matter

1. Gary, VP of Production for Omaha Printing Company had to understand how to deal with a conflict between two employees. Each was telling a story as to what had transpired leading to the conflict. One said one thing and the other was telling a different story. Since both were in my Bindery department, and unable to get to the bottom of the issue, Gary called me in to help. He simply said, “Dave what is the issue and what happened here?” I told him what had transpired without hesitation. Gary then turned to the guys, releasing one and permitting me to leave. He then promptly confronted the one left standing to deal with discipline because he was not truthful. On my word, Gary knew the truth. I spent years building a reputation of always telling the truth, even when I was the creator of the problem. He knew he could stake his decision on my testimony. Action speaks louder than words.
2. Production/Shipping manager at an envelope company. I was told to ship an order short of quantity despite the fact it was my company’s fault. Instead of shipping 2,500/ carton, we had only placed 2,400 / carton due to an operator using the wrong data. Yet, I was told to ship the order complete and, if the client questioned what happened, reply to the client we were not aware of the problem – it must have been a machine problem. This was not a small problem. The order was for 500,000 envelopes meaning we were 20,000 short. I replied that I would not knowing lie and ship the job knowing it was wrong. The owner had someone else ship the job short. Following that incident along with other questionable situations, I submitted my resignation. He asked why I was resigning, and I told him that I did not wish to work for someone who knowingly lied to a client. Later, that day, he came to my office and asked, “Why do you do what you do?” I told him that my first focus is serving and living for Jesus. Lying did not fit into my lifestyle. He contemplated that statement and said I should come to his church. Others observed this situation and knew I lived what I believed.

Vs 14 If you have selfish ambition or bitter jealousy – don’t be false to the truth.
This is not wisdom from above (not Godly) but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. Yet, this is what the world without Christ lives like. They place themselves first in pride and ambition. They deny the truth and try to build their own world in their control.

1Cor 1:18-20 states, For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” Isaiah 29:14 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? What the world claims is wisdom is but foolishness before God. Can we show a different way?

Vs 15 – This is not wisdom that comes down from above … The world’s ways do not bring peace or unity. Those of the world, not knowing the plan of God, will act just as they please bringing division and corruption.

Vs 16 – Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile (unpleasant, morally corrupt) practice.

How do we sow for a harvest in this environment? Very difficult since the world is not focused on God’s ways. Yet, in the midst of life, we are called to plant and harvest. How is this possible? God gave us the answer in a contradiction of life. Maybe, if we are radically different than the world, we can plant and harvest?

Vs 17 But Wisdom from above is: Pure – free of contamination or extraneous elements, Peaceable – free from argument or conflict, Gentle – mild, kind, tender temperament, Open to reason – being willing to listen to logical and sensible arguments, Full of mercy – showing mercy or compassion, Full of good fruits – a life that is righteous, faithful, and kind, Impartial – fair and just, Sincere – free from pretense or deceit

Vs 18 When we show our works in the meekness of wisdom, we will see results.
The harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
We are not here to market our product, but invite others to a changed life. A new life offering something refreshing not performance or guilt based.

What the people of our community expect us to be: They expect that we will compete with other churches. They assume we will pursue the same objectives and seek the same goals as other churches. The world looks for us to “fit the pattern” of the other churches and their own expectations. Everyone knows what churches and church people do, don’t they? They assume we are out to gather members or at least collect the money from those attending. We are takers and not givers even though we make a showing about caring. We are more interested in our appearance and doing things “right” than really helping people learn about Jesus.

How did this image of the church come to be? Because that is the image we have created in the world. We must change that image.

When have we practiced sowing in peace by those who make peace? We are here to be visible as those who are showing our good works and conduct in the gentleness of wisdom. What makes us different from others? James is saying show your good works making them evident in a culture not expecting what we do. Stand out in our difference. How are we showing the world we are different? The result is disciples who bring a new harvest. Vs 18 does not end the idea. It emphasizes the heart of continuous sowing and harvesting. Are we wise?

When you actively live out your faith, people will notice and lives will be changed.

Next Steps

1. Are we recognizably different showing our faith in conduct and gentleness? (How do we respond to drivers and others who simply irritate us?)
2. As you are going, take time to see and respond to needs – Are we seeking opportunities to serve?
3. Be purposeful to plan ways you can show your works of service. Food bagging, volunteer.