Your Actions Matter: How to Develop a Godly Character 

“Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny.”

Lao Tzu 

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This quote by Lao Tzu helps us see why our actions matter. It starts with small, seemingly insignificant thoughts that lead to the way we express those thoughts, intentions, and values through our character and person. Our actions become our habits, and our habits become our character. No matter who we are or what our past looks like, our actions will help determine what our daily life looks like.

Consider David from the Bible. He was the youngest brother of eight, tasked to shepherd his father’s sheep, and take care of seemingly insignificant tasks. Yet, in each assignment and responsibility, his actions proved him to be reliable, faithful, and skillful. To mention a few, he faithfully brought food to his brothers when they were in Israel’s battle camps. He fought off lions and bears to protect his sheep. He learned how to play skillfully and worshiped God with his musical talents and gifts. And he mastered his sling shot! All of this before he became a great king.

Later in his story, God chose David to be the next king because King Saul’s actions weren’t up to par. After Samuel anoints young David to be king in First Samuel 16, it actually takes David a long time before he fulfills this call (it isn’t until Second Samuel chapter 2). Throughout this time of waiting, again, his actions helped shape his character to become the king Israel needed and the man God appointed. 

When we are careful about our actions (and, of course, our thoughts and words), our characters get sharpened and we become who God needs us to be in His kingdom. Our actions have natural consequences which can profoundly impact our lives and the lives of others. But it takes having the fear of the Lord, being firm in our identities in Jesus, and being familiar with God’s Word. 

Like David, when we’re in a season of waiting (which, to some extent, I believe we always are), our actions matter because they shape the character of our future selves. Every time I think about this, I wonder what my actions were in my previous season, because that shaped me to be who I am today. And, what are my actions today, this week, and this month that will shape my character in my next season? 

If we want our character to grow and become more like Jesus, do our actions line up with His Word, will, and way? Do we imitate Jesus’ actions in our daily life and take responsibility for each step we take? 

We won’t always make the right choices, but I believe if we are intentional with the way we take action after our wrong choices or mistakes, we will experience ultimate growth and develop a godly character that is pleasing to the Lord, helpful to others, and strengthening to ourselves both now and in the future.

Our actions impact others for better or for worse. But we are only responsible for our actions and not the reactions of other people. This is why people pleasers eventually get burnt out. They live “in light of others” for so long that their character morphs into who they’re not supposed to be. They take the same actions vicariously, but for multiple people, and then their own character gets misshaped. 

Saul was a people pleaser. He was concerned about his actions, not about becoming godly or closer to God, but because he cared about what others thought more than anything else. His consistent actions revealed his character. If Saul had taken care of his actions from the start, maybe the transition of David becoming king would be smoother.

Personally, I’ve experienced this impact after people pleasing for so long, and it’s a deep pothole in the road that sometimes feels impossible to get out of. What helps is to start with your thoughts, then your words, then actions and so on. But not just any thoughts and words, but those that are lined up with God’s word and what He says about you.  

Again, our actions shape our character. When we repeat actions, they turn into habits and routines, which shape our behaviors and attitudes, and ultimately affect our character. When we focus on taking the right actions, (and by “right” I mean, moral, godly, effective actions that are pleasing to God and helpful to others and ourselves), we cultivate and develop godly characters that can bear fruit in generations to come. 

As king, David took action in positive and negative ways. But despite his downfalls and sins or victories and triumphs, one of his most notable and consistent actions was repentance. He genuinely turned to God each time, so that he could change the way he lived continuously. He took care of his thoughts, words, and finally, his actions. In essence, he took action for his actions with God!

Repentance doesn’t only mean to have sorrow or regret for one’s actions or lifestyle. It also means to change your mind and ways completely; to turn from sin and to God. The significance is in our position, our posture, that we turn from ungodly actions and to God and actions that imitate Him. 

Your actions matter.

If you want your character and behavior to be a certain way, you must start with your actions. But to start with your actions, you’ve got to back it up and take an inventory of your thoughts and words and assess your attitudes throughout your daily life. When your actions are congruent with your beliefs and values, you will experience a greater sense of authenticity, satisfaction, and confidence. Your actions can empower you to overcome challenges, achieve goals, and make a positive difference and impact in your life and the lives of those around you. 

Not only that, but your actions matter because they can inspire others to take action in similar ways. Like I mentioned in my last post/episode, your goals matter because you do. In the same way, your actions matter because you do. You can model godly and righteous behaviors and create a ripple effect that will influence those around you for the better. Demonstrate love, kindness, compassion, and live out the words of Jesus. Get good at repenting and take action for every action with God.

Remember, actions speak louder than words. 

Consider the following:

1. Take inventory of your thoughts for the next three days. Take notes on your app or in a basic journal.
2. Then, take inventory of your words for a two days. Take notes on your app or in a basic journal.
3. Assess your attitude throughout the week. Practice gratitude.
4. Write your goals out that will help you get to who want to be. Use a goals journal like this one.
5. Pay attention to your consistent actions… do they line up with the character you want to have? Do they line up with God’s Word?

Take action and leave a comment on this post. Share your thoughts with me and others.
Why do actions matter?