Actions Speak Louder!


Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.

John 17:3-5

For almost as long as I can remember Dolly Parton has been a public personality. She is a few months older than I am and was already making records when I was still in Junior High School. I heard her just the other day on the Fox and Friends morning show when she mentioned her husband of 43 years. She said that no one knows what he looks like because he never appears with her. She said there have been lots of pictures that were published in the grocery store check-out publications which weren’t really her husband. I have read that he very rarely goes to one of her performances. She is quoted as saying that although it appears they do not spend much time together, it is simply that nobody sees him.

What an interesting and unusual relationship. The husband of one of the most recognizable women in the United States is living life as an ordinary man with no public attention. Apparently for them, it has been good for their marriage given the more than forty years they have been together.

It is probably a poor illustration, but I am reminded of the relationship that Christians have with the Holy Spirit. Dolly and her husband are one but we only see Dolly. You may be filled with the Holy Spirit but most people only see you. The relationship a Christian has with Jesus Christ is the strength that keeps him going in good times and in bad. It is the reality of that relationship not the public perception of it that is important.

You can display all the outward signs of being a committed Christian along with lots of “testimony” to that fact while it is not true. And you can have a long term, committed relationship with Jesus Christ without making a public display of it. Doesn’t that mean that you would be denying the Lord by not telling everyone about Him?

I believe those around you judge you by the tests you endure rather than the testimony you give! The proof of your relationship with Jesus is seen clearly as you face trials and tribulations in your life. Your words about Jesus are good, but can be all wiped out by one act of disbelief.

We are not called to hide Jesus in our lives like Dolly Parton hides her husband, but we need to worry less about our testimony and more about our relationship to Jesus so we will have the strength to pass the daily tests of life!

Someone once said, “What you do is screaming so loudly, I can’t hear what you say!”