Believing something is an important step in the process of change. However, belief on its own does little to bring change. Be it within ourselves or in the world around us. We need to apply that belief through action…
Join us as we explore the importance of turning belief into action and how each of us can be catalysts for change!
Turning Belief into Action
Believing something is certainly important. Because, without that initial push, there is not going to be action. And without action, there is not going to be change.
Belief has to be turned into action, but what does this look like?
For an example, let us imagine that we live in a beautiful city, but there’s one road we try to avoid because it is always covered in litter. In this instance, our belief may be that littering is wrong and that something should be done. Now, we can leave it at that, feeling that we are right or even noble for our view, and that others are shirking their duty. Or we can—if physically possible—adopt a stretch of the road to clean, or start a community program to remove the trash, or even campaign to teach students about the value of putting trash where it belongs.
The first option, doing nothing, may provide a self-righteous glow, but it will not do anything.
The second, taking action, will alternatively create change—be it temporary or permanent.
And while not every problem that we see is ours to correct—being wise to choose our battles and where to place our time and energy—taking action on the issues that matter most to us is important. Or else, nothing will change.
This is true in all areas of life. In family and community. In government. In schools. In business.
We can complain all we want, but if we do not do something to bring about, or at least spark, a change… do we honestly expect it of someone else? Do we honestly expect results simply because our feelings or even our words are strong?
“What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,’ but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
—James 2:14-17
Ways We Can Create Change
As we have discussed, action to create change is necessary in all areas. From our home life to the highest levels of government, business, education, entertainment, etc.
Every day we can choose to take action or not. No matter if it is something big or small.
We have the ability to bring good things or bad to any situation…
We can:
- Choose kindness instead of anger or judgment
- Choose to take care of ourselves, so that we are able to take action
- Get involved in our community; be that in litter control, community forums, government, administrations, schools, and so forth
- Help others when they are struggling; whether it’s stopping to help fix a flat tire, mowing a neighbor’s yard when they are sick, teaching someone a needed skill, or taking action for any other needs we see
- Make our opinions/beliefs heard by those in government, education, businesses, etc.
- Volunteer to help others; such as helping at a homeless shelter, a church, or answering a call for volunteers
- Give/donate to those in need, or even help create employment for others
On and on there are things we can do from the smallest to the largest; from the kind word to the giving of donations, to being a light in whatever area God places us.
Every action brings a result… the key is choosing actions that will bring good results.
How YOUR Actions Matter
When you speak a kind word to someone who is fighting with self-doubt or pain, you are bringing light into the dark place that they are in… often dispelling the darkness. Even prompting them to do the same.
When you get involved in your community, such as helping to control litter, you are building a sense of unity, displaying pride for the community and for each other, which in turn can cause others to see how their own actions matter.
When you volunteer to help others, such as serving food to the homeless, you answer a need, allow seeds of hope to be planted, and become an example to others about how kindness and actions matter.
On and on we can see how the actions of ONE person—YOU—can matter.
We begin to see how believing is important, but without action, it lacks in its ability to create change.
“But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?”
—James 2:20
We need belief/faith and action/works. We need to be confident in our faith, but prepared to take action in it. To work toward the goal. Toward change.
We, at My Olive Tree, have a belief that helping people is important. That helping to create jobs, to provide additional food sources, and to heal the land matters. This is why My Olive Tree was founded, and it is why we created ways for others to help…
To provide jobs. To provide food. And to heal the land.
Yet, while we took those first steps to create My Olive Tree and to develop connections that allowed us to discover the needs and the ways to fulfill them… it was through YOU and people like you that we were able to plant trees. To plant grape vines.
To provide.
To help.
And to revive.
Israel, just a hundred years ago, was largely barren. In it were few crops, limited resources, and largely desolate land. Yet, through people who were determined to turn their beliefs into action… through programs like My Olive Tree and support from even across continents and seas… the land today is far from barren…
The desert is blooming. And through action—such as yours to support trees or grape vines—the people living in the land are able to preserve their dignity by working again. By being able to provide food and funds for their families, and their communities.
On behalf of those you help we would like to say, ‘Toda Raba!’ Thank You Very Much! Your actions matter!