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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: ALL TALK, NO ACTION (01/10/19)
All Talk, No Action

Words are the beginning of confession and getting right with God, but it does not stop there. It goes beyond words and results in changes in actions and attitudes.



After King Saul had harassed, searched and attempted to kill David, he finally realized the truth. He admitted to David he had sinned and would not try to harm him again. Saul said he acted like a fool and had erred greatly.



Saul confessed his wrong toward David but never acknowledged his rebellion again God. All sin is against God and should be acknowledged first. In Saul’s case, pride got in the way of admitting he had sinned and was wrong. His further actions of consulting a witch to bring up Samuel’s departed spirit to help him fight the Philistines proved he had not fully repented and got right with God.



The phrase “actions speak louder than words” has a degree of truth. One can say “I love you” to another but turn and be unfaithful or harm them. “Talking out both sides of the mouth” is an idiom that is saying one thing, but meaning another.



David’s actions and words saving Saul’s life twice is an example of goodness in actions speaking louder than words. Saul no longer searched for David when he heard David had fled to Gath to Saul's enemies the Philistines for safety. This part of Saul’s confession and actions remained true to never harm David again. However, David did not trust Saul and hid from Saul in the land of the Philistines.



How would God’s history be different if Saul’s words of confession of sin and rebellion had been to God? God is gracious, merciful and gives us time to repent for our sins. God would have helped Saul change his ways and actions.



Who knows, maybe Saul would been a great king and he would have become a man after God’s own heart.



1 Sam 26:21-27:1-2
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This article has been read 399 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Yvonne Blake 
01/17/19
What a great example of this topic! I like using Bible stories too. I especially like to retell them as if I were one of the characters - incorporating good descriptions and character traits.
Thanks for writing this. Keep it up!
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
01/17/19
I enjoyed this retelling. You made some great points. The only red ink I have is minor. It doesn't bother me, but I've seen it bother others. Be careful about getting into God's head. The line about God changing Saul is to what I'm referring. I agree with your point, but God is able to see things we humans can't. An easy fix would be to say, I believe God would have helped Saul. In this case, it's a tiny thing, but I've seen others turn it into a big thing, so I wanted to mention it. I think you did a nice job of writing on topic. The ending may have not been your strongest part, but you had a great beginning, transitioned smoothly, nailed the topic in a fresh way, and had a clear Christian message. Good job.
C D Swanson 
01/19/19
Love this! Anything with Bible retelling or Bible references really gets to me and makes me sit up and smile.

Well done,

God bless~
Barbara Culler 
01/20/19
In some of the writing lessons in the forum, it was told to avoid using the actual topic word in your article. There are creative ways to get around that, though sometimes, it is necessary. I see lots of study went into your story! Keep up your writing.