Actions Speak Louder Than Words!

Many things that we do, and experience require a combination of emotion, sympathy, and action.  Just because we don’t feel like doing something doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t.  However, the absence of feeling can affect the sincerity of what we do.  Just because we say…….”I will pray for you”…without sincerity seems artificial at best and mechanical at its worst! It’s what you do that makes praying something more.

Mechanically helping a friend in need without empathy and interest is incomplete.  Praying, just by mouthing the words seems like a meaningless exercise.   Our prayers seem to reach no higher than the ceiling. 

But feelings don’t come automatically.  We cannot just turn the happiness switch on, or suddenly, feel love towards another person.  We often don’t feel happiness or empathy, or we feel totally uninspired and disinterested. 

To continue with the tabernacle story, we read that the High Priest had to wear elaborate clothing when serving in the Temple. These garments had to be sewn according to a very specific design and had a special purpose.  Wearing them during service was of critical importance. 

This Kohen Gadol (High Priest) had an awesome responsibility.  He served in the Temple, representing the entire Jewish nation, to ask for Divine atonement and blessing.   This required a strong focus and sense of devotion.  However, donning the garments, an action that made him “look the part,” helped his heart and mind to be in total focus.  He might have had a bad day or had heartburn from the burnt quail he had eaten at dinner, but he was appointed to the task and that meant he must fulfill his assignment, whether he felt like it or not! 

Yeshua has become our Kohen Gadol.  He represents us before the throne or mercy seat of God.  He puts on those priestly garments to become our representative and prays for us as we journey through this life and beyond.  This is part of what He does for us but with a joyful heart!  He does this willingly because He loves us. 

But how about our faith?  Prayer doesn’t come easy at times.  You are in a bad mood.  That’s just the time when prayer is needed most.  Prayer isn’t for God.  He knows what’s in your heart.  Prayer is for you!

God teaches us valuable lessons.  He is involved with our day to day living.  Our job is to unite the physical and the spiritual.  Each of us plays a part in what God wants us to be. 

So, we must consciously focus on things outside ourselves. Put on your smiley face.

                  Actions with effort create strong feelings.  Do a good act.

                                                  The heart will follow!!