Talk Less, Love More
How do you use the power that you have?
Verse of the Day
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.”
Today’s Devotional
The American evangelist Dwight Moody said the following: “We are told to let our light shine, and if it does, we don’t need to tell anybody it does. Lighthouses don’t fire cannons to call attention to their shining – they just shine.”
St. Francis of Assisi said, “Wherever you go, preach the gospel, and if necessary, use words.
My friend Tom says, “Pray every day that God will help you to be the person God intended for you to be. Then go act like it.”
Today’s verse reminds us that we have a power given to us by the God of the universe. This power is to further the kingdom of God, not to further our own agenda, or to enhance our comforts. This power we are given is to help us to lead an abundant life here on this earth that is attractive to others. The power to be kind. The power to be encouraging. The power to be generous. The power to go out of our way to serve others.
If I am honest, there have been many times when I have sought God’s wisdom for things that have absolutely nothing to do with the kingdom of God. I was seeking discernment for things that only affected my life, my situation, and maybe my comfort. If the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk, then perhaps I need to ask for discernment on when and how to use my words, if at all.
If the kingdom of God is a matter of power, then maybe I need to be asking God for the discernment to wisely use the power I have been given.
In recovery fellowships you will commonly hear people talking about “moving your feet, not your mouth.” In other words, don’t tell me about your faith (or recovery), SHOW ME. Treat me with kindness instead of telling me to be kind. Be loving. Be joyful. Don’t keep a list of my wrongs. Let your peace be evident. Don’t lose your temper. Never give up on God. Serve without needing attention. Work hard even when no one is watching. Reach out to those who might need help, even the ones you don’t like. Spend time in the Word. Pray, a lot. These are the ways that I can harness the power that has been graciously given to me.
Today, I pray to be a person who seeks discernment for how I might be an active participant in quietly advancing the kingdom of God. I pray to be a person who practices what I preach. I pray to be a person whose words only point people to Jesus. I pray that I will talk less, and love more.
Journal Prompts
Answer only the questions that seem relevant to you today.
What do you talk about but don’t follow through with action?
How can you be the person, just today, that God created you to be?
How can you seek discernment to wisely use the power you have for the glory of God and the good of others?
In what situations do you need to talk (or type) less, and love more?