Some people talk a lot, saying the right things, but then fail to act. Unfortunately, this can apply to the things that God wants us to say and do.

We must take the information God gives us and put it to use (Matthew 13:8, 23)! Following the will of the Lord requires effort, sacrifice, and perhaps even getting our hands dirty (figuratively and literally). Think of diet and exercise: we must consume proper nutrition and then use that as fuel to exercise and strengthen our bodies. We should similarly feed on God’s word, using it as fuel to practice godliness (1 Timothy 4:8). This involves hard work, more than just knowing and saying the right things.

Moreover, if we expect to help others, we must be willing to work, make sacrifices, and get our hands dirty. Helping others isn’t always convenient, and those in need may bring with them a messy past and difficult problems. We must be willing to act, rather than just talking! Helping them to grow may require that we serve them in physical ways and sacrifice some of our resources. This does not mean neglecting our own responsibilities (Philippians 2:4) but let us prayerfully do more than just talk (James 2:15-17).

Today, let’s put in the effort to seek the right information from God’s word and do the necessary work to grow personally, and do the same in our efforts to help others in any way possible.

Where no oxen are, the trough is clean;

But much increase comes by the strength of an ox.

~ Proverbs 14:4