Prior to cellphones, when our children were small, our car stalled on a busy road. Shortly after we pulled off the road a lady pulled in behind us and asked if we needed help. I can’t remember her name or what she looked like, but I do remember what she did twenty-five years later. I remember because our actions demonstrate who we are. Her actions revealed who she was.
David’s Actions Revealed His Character
David was anointed to become king of Israel, but he was waiting on God’s timing. When King Saul went into a cave to relieve himself, he had no idea that David and his men were in that same cave.
David’s friends saw an opportunity to rid themselves of an enemy and urged David to kill Saul. David knew this was wrong and he needed to wait on God. David’s actions demonstrated who he said he was.
1 Samuel 24: 7 So David restrained his men and did not let them kill Saul. After Saul had left the cave and gone on his way, 8 David came out and shouted after him, “My lord the king!” And when Saul looked around, David bowed low before him. 9 Then he shouted to Saul, “Why do you listen to the people who say I am trying to harm you? 10 This very day you can see with your own eyes it isn’t true. For the Lord placed you at my mercy back there in the cave. Some of my men told me to kill you, but I spared you. For I said, ‘I will never harm the king—he is the Lord’s anointed one.’[1]
Godly Character Should be Demonstrated by Action
The Pharisees of Jesus’ time knew the Bible well, but this knowledge had not changed their character. Jesus pointed this out. John 5:39“You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! 40 Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life.” [2] The actions of the Pharisees revealed who they really were inside.
God’s Word is not theory; it is living and practical. As we learn what the Bible says, we then need to use it as the basis for forming our thoughts. If you continue in God’s Word, then you will develop godly actions; if you continue acting in a godly way you will end up with godly habits. When you become consistent with godly habits, you will have godly character. Your godly character then becomes your life’s testimony. Remember, our actions demonstrate who we are.
Kick start the mind of Christ in you by renewing your mind with God’s Word on a daily basis. Matthew 6:33Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. [3]
To hear how our actions demonstrate who we are, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/faith-makes-a-difference-david
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.