Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus. Colossians 3:17

Grandma prayed a very strange prayer. At the lunch table, she thanked the Lord for the food and added, 'Dear Lord, make Matthew like Charlie Chaplin.'

'That's a funny prayer, Grandma. Who is Charlie Chaplin?' Matthew asked the first time he heard Grandma pray this way.

'You mean who was Charlie Chaplin,' Grandma replied. She smiled at Matthew. 'Charlie Chaplin was a movie star. He died many years ago. He was ... And you want me to be like him'.

'Thanks, Grandma, but I'd rather be alive.'

'No, no, Matthew. I want you to be like Charlie Chaplin when he was alive. In fact, I only want you to be like Charlie Chaplin in one way.'

'What way, Grandma?'

'Charlie Chaplin lived in the days of silent movies. That means he had to show everything by his actions. In his movies, he showed love or compassion or kindness by the way he acted.'

'I get it, Grandma. You mean that actions speak louder than words.'

'Right, Matthew. And I pray that you will show by your actions that you love Jesus and want to honor Him in all that you do. Words are important - but, actions speak so loud they can drown out what people say. We all have to live out what we say we believe.'

'Okay, Grandma,' Matthew said. 'It's not a funny prayer at all. It's a good prayer.'

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to live out what I say I believe. For Jesus' sake. Amen.