Are you an Actor?

Just some random thoughts ….

For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45b ESV

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 LSB

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Reactions cannot be manufactured. Any of us can “act” a certain way, but we can only re-act based on what’s already in our heart. Any of us can “act” or play the part of a God-honoring person, but our mouth and actions will betray us when we are in a situation where we only have time to react. As Jesus put it, “Out of the abundance of our heart, the mouth speaks.”

What comes out of our mouth when someone cuts us off in traffic or when we’re treated unfairly? When there’s no time to do anything but react, out of the overflow of our heart, our mouth and actions will speak what’s already in there. These situations don’t create our words and actions, they reveal what’s already there.

(If you’re not sure, ask your husband or wife or close friend, I bet they know!) I’ve heard it said that the “real us”, is exposed when we’re at home – not at church or even at work. At home, where we “let our hair down” so to speak.

This is also true when we go through trials. Most followers of Christ can talk a good faith-game and quote Scriptures, but what happens when tragedy strikes or betrayal comes or disappointment engulfs? Do we stagger in unbelief and accuse God of neglect, or assume we must be lacking in faith?

Or, do we give thanks in all things, in spite of the pain? Through tears and clenched teeth maybe, but are we able to express our faith in a sovereign God, even as we pour out our heart and pain to Him? Again, we can choose to act, but our reaction will pour forth from what’s already in our heart.

Hey, no condemnation here – this is convicting for me to even type. The Holy Spirit convicts us and allows the content of our heart to be exposed so it can be dealt with. Not to condemn us. To restore us. To continue the work He began at our moment of conversion. After all, we are His workmanship. Let’s allow Him to work.

Straight from Psalm 139, let’s pray –

Father, search me and know me. Try and test me Lord. Take from me anything not pleasing to You and reveal anything that I have left unsubmitted to You, Your Word and Your will. I am so glad You love me in the process. Cause me to grow in my relationship with You and closer to You. In Jesus mighty name, Amen.

For a more in-depth look at the topic, check out this link from GotQuestions.org.