Brigham Young University (BYU) is operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often mistakenly called the “Mormon Church.” As part of their undergraduate coursework, BYU students take multiple semesters of spiritually uplifting, stimulating religion classes.
Here, in this column, students enrolled in scripture study classes have shared their thoughts, insights, and reflections on the New Testament and gospel of Jesus Christ in the form of letters to someone they know. In publishing these, we fulfill their desire to witness to all of us of the relevance, power, and beauty of the New Testament, and God’s plan of happiness for each of us. We invite you to take a look at their epiphanies and discoveries as they delve into the scriptures. Let us know how these may help you in your own life. Share them with a friend.
Actions speak louder than words
A Thought
In class on tuesday my Professor said, “You are the epistle of Christ.” This statement, while simple, hit me with a profound depth.
The statement originates out of 2 Corinthians chapter 3. At the time, the people of Corinth, like many others, were caught up in the letter of the law rather than the spirit of the law. Verse 3 says, “Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.” Christ is using us, trusting us, to write and preach his word through our actions.
I love watching people interact and often note how you can tell when people are taking the necessary actions in their life to stay in tune with the spirit. The way they think, act, and react to situations is often grounded, mature, and typically does not result in hurt feelings but rather clear and productive communications. It is quiet and they just do it. It is apart of their nature. It is how they live.
It made me think about how I have the responsibility to be Christ’s message through my actions. I teach by being me. I may not always have the in depth conversations, but by aligning my actions with Christ and living in the good ways I know how may provide a greater force for good than I could ever realize or understand. People’s hearts are sensitive. I love the imagery in this verse, ink on stone and spirit in flesh. People’s hearts can be written on, changed by our actions and by following the small promptings of the spirit. It is the kind of writing that will not erode over time as stone does, rather it impacts the people our lives collide with.
Often small actions can speak and teach so much louder than any words can.
There is much good I can do just by being me and letting Christ work through that medium. I, through my actions, am the epistle of Christ.