“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.”
Proverb 23:7
Promises, Promises
At the beginning of the Pacific invasion of World War II, the Japanese thought they could easily win over the Philippines with their “Asia for the Asiatics” rhetoric. They declared: “We’ve come to free you from the bonds of Western Colonialism (the American way of life). Join us in a new day.”
The Japanese looked at Filipinos as unsophisticated, simple-minded, and easily persuaded. They thought they would gain an easy ally in these peaceful farmers. They offered good-sounding promises, and painted the Allied nations as brutes. If Japan could have won the heart of the Filipinos, they would probably have won the war.
Actions betray Words
The Japanese SAID good things, but their actions SHOWED much hatred. The Japanese military police, the Kempetiai, had sent many peacefully disagreeable villagers off to dungeons in Manila. It also didn’t help that pimp contractors for the Emperor’s Army had come to draft pretty Filipino girls (under false pretenses) to serve as prostitutes. Not only that, but they daily disrespected the islanders in humiliating ways, like slapping them in the face for discipline.
No matter how convincing the lies told by Japan’s propaganda against the U.S. in the Philippines, their cruel heart could not be hidden. Actions speak louder than words. To this day, the average Filipino is gratefully loyal to the USA for freeing them from Japanese dominion.
How important is it for words and actions to match up?
Spiritually, it is important because God demands word and action to match in trusting Him. A person who is has hidden or sinister motives will not trick the Lord Jesus Christ into blessing him. God is not mistaken nor easily fooled as old, blind Isaac. God is the Omnipotent, Omnipresent Lord. The thoughts and intents of the heart are open to Him.
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of the soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:12
“For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
Romans 10:10
Thoughts, words, and actions all line up when a person is constantly exposed to truth, the Bible. The Book is what keeps man honest.
Secondarily, it is important because we build relationships and trust based on honest, hard-working motives. We want to be with those who are working toward the same goals. Genuineness nurtures that. Hypocrisy uproots it.
Some thoughts to act on:
Do you see words and actions matching in:
- Movie actors?
- Politicians?
- Classmates?
- Church members?
- Close relatives?
Which of these groups do you expect to be genuine?
Which of these groups do you NOT expect to be honest?
Do you find it hard to be loyal when you see hypocrisy?
How about your life? Have you fulfilled your promises? Have you actively lived up to your words, or do your actions send a contradictory message?
“Their tongue is as an arrow shot out; it speaketh deceit: one speaketh peaceably to his neighbour with his mouth, but in heart he layeth his wait.
Shall not I visit them for these things? saith the LORD: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?”
Jeremiah 9:9-10
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