Essayist Waldo Emerson is quoted as saying, Your actions speak so loudly, I cannot hear what you are saying. A reminder actions speak louder than words.
But Quoteinvestigator.com says the likely original was: Don’t say things. What you are stands over you the while, and thunders so that I cannot hear what you say to the contrary. An even stronger reproach to those who don’t walk the talk.
The Psalmist tells us, The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands … They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world (Psalm 19:1,4).
When I place this Bible passage alongside Emerson’s quote, I’m reminded it’s almost impossible to see the beauty of nature and not ask what this means about the existence of God. But I’m also reminded that God intends questions about his existence would be partly answered through the lives of those who follow Jesus. Which means if the way we live doesn’t back up our professed belief, people will struggle to accept that God exists. Instead, the lack of congruence between words and action will thunder so loudly as to make our words meaningless
This edition profiles The Salvation Army’s Amplify Creative Arts Camp, held in January. To me, the passionate and committed faith experiences of these young people absolutely backs the truth of God’s existence. When we consider God’s work in their lives, it’s hard to ignore that God is very much alive in our world!
Christina Tyson
Editor
Psalm 19:1 Contemporary English Version
The heavens keep telling the wonders of God, and the skies declare what he has done.
Ngā Waiata 19:1
E kōrerotia ana e ngā rangi te korōria o te Atua; ā e whakaaturia ana e te kikorangi te mahi a ōna ringa.