By Dr. Floyd Godfrey

How Christian Actions Demonstrate Faith and Build Trust in a Watching World

In today’s world, people are bombarded with words. Sermons, social media posts, motivational speeches, and endless advice all compete for attention. However, what often leaves the greatest impact is not what we say, but what we do. The Apostle James emphasized this truth, writing, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22, ESV). Christian counselor and author Bob Goff echoes this sentiment, reminding us that, “People will believe what you say, when they watch what you do” (Goff, 2025). In a culture that often questions sincerity, our everyday actions can become powerful testimonies of our faith in Christ.

Living a Visible, Authentic Faith

Jesus calls believers to be “the light of the world” and to let their light shine so that others may glorify God (Matthew 5:14-16). This light is not merely spoken, but it is seen through acts of love, forgiveness, patience, and grace. Goff challenges Christians to avoid distractions that pull them away from their calling: “Don’t get distracted by life in ways that pulls away from your anointing and who you are. Take time to fill yourself up spiritually, emotionally, relationally and physically.” Living authentically requires intention. When our private life aligns with our public words, we become trustworthy witnesses to the power of Christ.

Influence Begins with Presence

According to Goff, people are “looking for someone like YOU to help and encourage them; to meet Christ.” This is a personal calling. Often, we think influence requires a platform or a title, but the real impact happens in kitchens, breakrooms, parking lots, and classrooms. When we are consistent in character and generous with our presence, we create space for others to encounter Jesus through us. Galatians 5:6 says, “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love” (NIV), a verse echoed in Goff’s declaration: “The only thing that matters, is your faith expressed in love to others. God doesn’t want our help… He wants our hearts.” Faith in action becomes the evidence of God’s love.

Slowing Down to Live in Grace

Goff also reminds believers that “He wants us to slow down. Live in grace. Let people see Jesus in YOU.” In a fast-paced world, hurried lives often miss divine appointments. Slowing down gives us space to reflect, pray, and respond to others with the patience and compassion that Jesus modeled. It also allows us to abide in Christ, from whom all spiritual fruit flows (John 15:5). Slowness is not laziness; it is attentiveness. When we are present with God, we become more present with people and they see Jesus in us.

God’s Power Through Our Patience

Spiritual maturity often looks like patience under pressure and kindness when it’s not deserved. Goff puts it simply: “God chooses YOU to demonstrate patience. He wants us to NEED him.” These moments of struggle or stress are not interruptions; they are opportunities for God’s power to shine through our surrender. When believers respond differently than the world expects, with peace, gentleness, and faith, it raises questions in the hearts of others. That curiosity can lead to conversations about Christ, sparked not by clever arguments, but by Christlike actions.

Conclusion

The world is watching. More than eloquent sermons or inspirational quotes, people want to see what genuine faith looks like in everyday life. When Christians live out their beliefs through visible love, patient interactions, and consistent integrity, they reveal the heart of God to a skeptical world. As Bob Goff stated in his recent plenary forum, “People will believe what you say, when they watch what you do” (Goff, 2025). May we live in such a way that our actions reflect the Savior we serve.

Floyd Godfrey PhD is a Board Certified Christian Counselor and has facilitated groups within different churches and denominations over the past 30 years. He worked as a licensed clinician for 23 years and provided supervision and training for other counselors as they worked toward independent licensure. You can read more about Floyd Godfrey PhD at www.FloydGodfrey.com.

References

Goff, B. (2025, September). Undistracted. Plenary Forum. Nashville; Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. (2001). Crossway Bibles.

The Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). Biblica.