Actions versus words.

Matthew 7:15-20

"Action without vision is only passing time, vision without action is merely day dreaming, but vision with action can change the world."

Nelson Mandela
Former President of South Africa

             Some people talk the talk, others walk the walk. That is, some people ramble on telling you stories, rationalizations or offer convoluted reasons for things, other people simply do. By and large I think we are more moved by people of action and no so much by people of words.

             One of the reasons that the Roman Catholic church is in such disarray and has lost it's moral  authority is all the talking it does versus what their actions actually are. You can say just about anything and convince in some seem seemingly logical way any belief you wish but it is the actions which convert. I have said it over and over on these pages, paraphrasing said Francis, preach the Gospel at all times, use words if necessary.

              You can preach about respect for life and being 'pro-life' all you want. When your actions show a fundamental disrespect for people, your clarity,veracity and character are lost. From legislative support that disrespects women, to support for the sexually abused (versus support for the abuser and the institution), to concern for the elderly and compassion for all humans, the actions don't match up with the mission.

          Let's took a look at gay rights and marriage equality. One of the reasons that marriage equality and gay rights are making such progress is that in spite of rhetoric to the contrary, people see the committed, good and decent lives that out gay men and women live.  As people of character, people see that the lies being spread don't match up with the good and decent lived lives of gay married couples. Anyone can see that marriage in general is not in trouble because of gay rights and marriage equality, it's because of the effects of married couples who cheat, lie, divorce and get married again and again. (Say hello Newt) Marriage is not in danger because of gay people getting married, it's in trouble because of fundamental lack of respect for the institution in the general (straight) population. Gays did not invent prostitution, infidelity, sex bars, rape and one night stands.

            People see actions over words all the time. Let's be people of action. Love God, love one another. Isn't that the basis of the Gospel message?

‘Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits.