I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day;
I’d rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way.
The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear,
Fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear;
And the best of all preachers are the men who live their creeds,
For to see good put in action is what everybody needs.
I soon can learn to do it if you’ll let me see it done;
I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.
And the lecture you deliver may be very wise and true,
But I’d rather get my lessons by observing what you do;
For I might misunderstand you and the high advice you give,
But there’s no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.

This poem by Edgar A. Guest communicates a powerful message. We are constantly surrounded with and bombarded by spoken messages. Commercials fill the airwaves, trying to sell products, ideas and viewpoints. People can become so overwhelmed that they just tune out when they hear a sales pitch. They need to see a product in action before they’ll consider buying it.

The same is true when it comes to sharing our faith. Some folks have heard the gospel many times, but have not embraced it because of what they have seen – or not seen in the lives of those who profess to be believers.

People hear much more from what you do than what you say. Talk is cheap.  I can say that I’m anything:

I can say that I’m a tree, but until I take root and grow branches…

I can say that I’m a bird, but until I sprout wings and take flight…

I can say that I’m a chicken, but until I lay an egg…

You get the idea; the actions need to line up with what is being said. If we profess to follow a loving God, and to be His examples in the Earth, but go on to exhibit hatred, bigotry or division, the actions don’t line up with the words.

What is the best way to exhibit our faith? It has little to do with what we say, and everything to do with what we do. Others will know that we are His disciples by the way we treat others. Jesus said, “This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other” (John 13:35).

Just live it!