As a human behavior specialist, I understand some people are more likely to exaggerate than others because they are people-oriented and outgoing (high I’s if you are familiar with DISC). These highly social types often speak before they think, and they will promise something and proceed to forget about it. In time, they will lose respect and trust of peers and family members.
All of us need to heed the warning of not following through with our words. Let’s face it: words come cheap. We can say all sorts of things, but what are you willing to actually do? The old saying is still true today: your actions speak louder than your words.
You may say you are sorry for hurting someone’s feelings, but if you continue the same destructive, hurtful behavior, your actions aren’t congruent with your words. The person will be left to believe you really weren’t sorry at all.
You may apologize for running late and making someone wait, but if you are always late, you are disrespectful. Your actions trump your words, and you have lost trust. Trust is difficult to build but easily broken.
How many times have you said, “I will pray for you?” Do you? Do you actually make a point of praying for that person or are you simply wanting to look good to them and sound like a Christian instead of behaving like one? Here’s a tip: Instead of saying you will pray for someone, stop right then and there and say, “Let me pray for you right now about…” Then pray!
Hopefully by now you have seen the movie, Sound of Freedom, starring Jim Caviezel. I was thrilled to see it bumped the new Mission Impossible movie with Tom Cruise to third place…and it came out over July 4th weekend. Perhaps the American people are finally taking action instead of just complaining about the horrible, offensive movies coming out of Hollywood, not to mention the very real problem of child/human trafficking at our own, unprotected borders. Ah, I digress…
In the movie, Jim Caviezel plays a federal agent whose job is to stop pedophiles. Although he caught a few child-porn circles, he never saved a single child. One of his co-workers can’t do the job. It takes too much out of him, and he doesn’t feel like they are making a difference.
When two children are taken from their home and he encounters the brother who escaped, something in him snaps. God speaks to him and says talking about this problem isn’t enough. He must take aggressive action. He proceeds to put his life on the line as he journeys into the Colombian jungle to rescue the stolen sister out of a living hell.
Sound of Freedom is a true story. It is a difficult and emotional topic, but it is one we must be willing to not only speak about but do something about. I encourage you to see it and then demand from our politicians they close our border and begin protecting our children instead of turning a blind eye. Worse yet…America is THE number one human trafficking country in the world. Children can’t be sold if no one is willing to buy them.
Again, I’m getting off point, but this movie is the perfect example of the importance of taking action. Talk only gets us so far. It can open the lines of communication, but then we must craft plans of attack. We must outline steps to be taken and then DO it!
Every single one of us needs to practice the lost art of backing up our words with actions. Social media has made it all-too-convenient for us to get significance and attention by simply “liking” a post. How sad when people share how depressed they are…considering suicide…and all they get is likes. Does anyone actually reach out and call them? Better yet…go and see them? Usually not.
We’ve become lazy and selfish. This is the work of the devil! He wants us to believe saying something is enough. He plants deceptive seeds within us to not get involved. “Oh, don’t worry you aren’t honoring your word,” the devil whispers in your ear. Stop listening to him! You should definitely be concerned about it because you are hurting others, and that isn’t what God wants for us or them. This kind of behavior is NOT okay.
Can you imagine if Jesus talked about dying on the cross for our sins but then didn’t follow through with it? Could we blame Him for walking away? No, but how catastrophic if He didn’t fulfill His destiny and Biblical prophecies. We would all be doomed…literally.
Thankfully, Jesus had integrity, and He kept His word. He is our greatest example of meaning what He said and taking the appropriate action to back it up. I know many buy into the “Don’t sweat the small stuff,” but this is a dangerous mindset. You see, if you can’t get the small things right, then you are blowing everything else. The Bible speaks directly to this by telling us we will not get more if we can’t do right by the little we do have (Luke 16:10).
Life is a string of small stuff, and how we handle those little things makes all the difference. Don’t be someone who can’t be trusted or counted upon. Be better; do what you said you would do. Take action!
How are you doing at your job? If you are continually behind the eight-ball and struggling to make deadlines, you may benefit from coaching. Let me run an assessment on you to discover your potential pitfalls and then create a strategy for overcoming them. Set yourself apart by being the person who delivers on time and keeps their word!
PS Get me on your fall calendar now to ignite hope, inspire change, and encourage transformation in your organization, club, or church. I have a variety of topics and customize to your specific needs or theme.
Marion says
Excellent topic Lorraine, and I did go see this movie, and loved it! At this point I cant contribute but I can talk about it….Since I was a victim of pedophiles I know the feelings. And there is a gal here in Aiken who survived and is thriving in recovery. Her name is Joy and she’s beautiful.
Thank you for including this topic in your list – it is SO needed.
Keep on keeping on!!!!
Love & hugs
Marion