Show Your Faith Through Actions: The Devout Christian’s Manifesto

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

“Actions speak louder than words.” This phrase encapsulates a profound truth that Christian theology often emphasizes. True faith, in essence, is not just about an internal sentiment but an external expression through deeds of love and compassion. When we act on our faith, we demonstrate to others and to God that we sincerely believe in Him.

James, a prominent figure in early Christianity, amplifies this concept in the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible. He challenges those who assert a belief in faith but lack tangible actions, emphasizing that true faith is inseparable from good works.

James writes: '18" But someone will say “you have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, oh foolish man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not our father Abraham justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 24 You see then that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."

James’ words clearly highlight that true faith must be accompanied by actions, not just mere belief. The true believer of Jesus not only trusts in Him but also follows His teachings by putting them into practice through love, care, help, and prayer for others.

Why Do You Need to "Show It"?

Every person has their own reasons for wanting to demonstrate their faith. Some may seek validation, while others wish to impact their community positively. However, it is important to consider the message we convey when we attempt to show our faith.

1. To Whom? - The attempt to demonstrate faith is often directed outward, seeking approval, or soliciting admiration. While this intention can be noble, it may inadvertently shift the focus away from living a life that truly honors God.

2. Keep Your Faith and Prayers Private.' Jesus instructed His followers, “When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites who love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But you, when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:5-6)

Jesus left us an example to follow. He taught that God, who is unseen, knows our true intentions far better than we do ourselves. Prayers and faith should be kept private, adhering to modesty and humility.

Modesty and Humility

The quest to showcase one’s faith can sometimes create a paradoxical effect. It is a virtue in the Christian tradition to be modest and to avoid vain show in anything one undertakes. From the earliest days of Christianity, the early Orthodox Christians have cherished this principle.

The challenge and irony is that the effort to hide one's virtue often makes it more obvious to others. Those genuinely concerned about virtue do not need to announce it, whereas those who are self-consciously concerned with showing their virtue can be readily seen through by discerning observers. So, the aim is to focus intensely on faithfulness, practicing the virtues so transparently that one becomes unaware of oneself as a doer and sees only the active concern for the recipient and the presence of God in the relationship.

The True Nature of Faith

Ultimately, the practice of faith should be about living within a relationship with God, where the focus is not on showcasing our goodness but on the active concern for others and our understanding of the presence of God in our lives.

So, let us strive to live out our faith through our deeds, let our actions be a reflection of our true belief in God, and let our lives be a testimony to the love and grace that we have experienced. In doing so, we not only honor God but also transform the world around us one deed at a time.