Don’t Just Talk About It—do Something

Don’t Just Talk about It—Do Something

Faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. . . . I will show you my faith by my good deeds.

James 2:17-18

The movie The Patriot starring Mel Gibson reminds us that some things are worth fighting for.

It’s 1776 in South Carolina when Gabriel Martin opens the door of the church where a memorial service is in progress. Gabriel addresses Reverend Oliver, asking his permission to make an announcement that the South Carolina militia is being called up. “I’m here to enlist every man willing.”

Oliver descends the stairs toward Gabriel. “Son, we are here to pray for the souls of those men hanging outside.”

“Yes, pray for them,” Gabriel says, “but honor them by taking up arms with us.”

A man in the congregation stands to speak. “And bring more suffering to this town?”

Another man adds, “If King George can hang those men, our friends, he can hang any one of us.”

Anne Patricia Howard stands up and addresses the protesters and other men in the congregation, reminding various ones of them of the support of the common cause they had voiced at some point in time. “Will you now, when you are needed most, stop only at words? Is that the sort of men you are? I ask only that you act upon the beliefs of which you have so strongly spoken and in which you so strongly believe.”

“Who’s with us?” Gabriel asks.

One by one, the men and their sons stand in response to Anne Howard’s challenge.

It’s what we call a “stop the clock” moment. Time stands still as the human spirit ponders not what to say but what to do. It’s a moment when words are put into action and we summon the courage and the will to do what we believe is right.

Rhetoric, after all, comes easily, but not action. It’s true in our marriages as well. Think of the words we utter in our wedding vows. We can say them with great conviction, but it’s not until we truly love each other “in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer” that the words mean much.

What have you been talking about together that you haven’t put into action? Installing a weekly date night or planning a getaway for just the two of you? Starting a group for other couples or mentoring just one other couple? Learning a new hobby together or simply prioritizing a shared meal time? It could be anything. Don’t wait for a “stop the clock” moment to get you into action. Act upon your beliefs, as Anne Howard urged, and fight for your marriage. Don’t just talk about it; do what you know will make it stronger.

Remember, people will judge you by your actions, not your intentions. You may have a heart of gold—but so does a hard-boiled egg.

—Author unknown