Knowing Your Deeds Is to Face the Reality Behind Your Actions
Deeds is an article designed to educate you about what deeds are, the ways we acquire them, their usage, and their significance in our lives. This article will guide you through an exploration to understand more about this vital aspect of our daily existence. With that introduction, let’s delve into the realities of this topic in greater detail below.
WHAT ARE DEEDS?
In the context I’m using, ‘deeds’ refer to our actions. Thoughts and words also constitute actions because they can be expressed. Actions are not limited to physical movements; we act in various ways. However, what we do with our hands or bodies is typically recognized as an action. For instance, as I type these words into my computer, I am taking action; I am typing.
Thoughts, as I mentioned, are mental activities, or deeds of the mind. They are invisible mental actions until expressed through words or physical actions. Our eyes and facial expressions are windows to our minds, souls, and hearts. For me, terms like spirit, soul, mind, and heart are synonymous, referring to the non-physical aspects of our being.
Deeds manifest as thoughts, words, and physical actions. This aligns with Biblical teachings that sin can occur through these mediums. We sin in our hearts, with our eyes, and with our hands. Therefore, when feeding our minds through these five senses, we must be cautious about what we consume. In modern times, we often know movies better than our scriptures, which is concerning.
Consider the impact of media on actions, such as someone committing suicide after watching a film, or the influence of horror fiction. We are shaped by what we consume, both physically and mentally. There’s no escaping the influence of what we read, watch, or listen to, which is why bad company can corrupt good character.
Sight, hearing, smell, touch, and taste are all actions in their own right. Thus, our deeds, whether sensory or otherwise, can be positive or negative, impacting ourselves and others, both individually and collectively.
HOW DO WE GET DEEDS?
We acquire deeds initially through two primary means: nature and nurture. Our actions are often a result of innate intentions or external influences from our surroundings. The environment contributes to our upbringing, shaping our responses to various situations.
Some philosophers argue that if nurture were to dominate nature, then everyone would behave identically at all times. Peer pressure exemplifies an external influence that can compel us to act against our will.
Our actions are also influenced by the desires of our parents. In school, we may be obliged to study subjects that do not interest us because our parents deem them important, which can lead to failure. The influence of our family, friends, and associates on our decisions is significant, provided we grant them insight into our thoughts and plans.
Moreover, we possess inherent traits and acquire others from our environment, influencing our deeds and behaviors. For instance, some individuals have a natural propensity for gossip, which may be innate or environmentally induced.
Predominantly, these tendencies are congenital. For example, some people naturally dislike hearing negative remarks about others and feel compelled to inform the person being spoken about, regardless of their educational background.
HOW DO WE USE DEEDS?
Indeed, our deeds are the mirrors that reflect our identities to the world. Through speech and writing, we share our essence with others. My task is to pen these thoughts and present them to you. The content I write and publish, whether as articles or books, originates from my reflections. Over the years, I believe I have gained considerable knowledge on my life’s journey. We engage in various activities for myriad reasons, and through these actions, we express ourselves.
Our speech reveals our identity and knowledge to the world. Our actions are the means by which we communicate our intentions and values. On a personal note, I write to inform, instruct, and enlighten others about my areas of interest.
These areas include theology, information and communication technology, and my trilingual expertise. I instruct in English, Dinka, and Nuer, covering writing, reading, and speaking skills. I also teach the basics of ICT. Moreover, I impart knowledge on my most cherished subject: theology.
These endeavors constitute my life’s work. I dedicate my time to learning, teaching, and serving others, utilizing technology as an aid in my educational pursuits. As a teacher, my passion lies in disseminating knowledge to others. This is the essence of my deeds.
I believe this is my contribution to the world, and it is how I will be remembered after my departure. You may be reading these words at a time when I am no longer present in this world, yet our connection persists through this communication.
WHAT’S THE IMPORTANCE OF DEEDS?
Indeed, deeds are significant. They can be good or evil, but either way, they are what we will be remembered by. Our words and actions leave a lasting impression, which is why I previously stated that words are essentially deeds in another form. Therefore, our words, thoughts, and actions hold great importance, and we must remain constantly aware of this.
Despite knowing this, we often act as we should not, rather than as we should. This is a profound observation. It can also be said that “what shouldn’t be, isn’t always so.” This acknowledges the existence of both impossibilities and possibilities. Positivity, then, is not founded on illusion but on genuine hope and reality. When I say something is possible, I mean it is achievable.
Regarding the significance of our deeds, they may matter to us but not to others. Is this problematic? Must we only act in ways that others approve? Certainly not. In any action, supporters and detractors will emerge, regardless of the action’s nature. Therefore, trust your instincts and do what you believe is correct.
This does not imply that advice is unnecessary. Rather, it suggests we must exercise caution when considering advice. Consider Solomon’s son from the Bible; he took unwise counsel from his peers, acted foolishly, and altered the course of Israel forever. Truly valuable advice is a rarity. Appearances can be deceiving, with some things seeming benign but harboring malice within.
MY FINAL WORDS
We have explored what deeds are, the ways we acquire them, their uses, and their significance in our lives. As is customary, this is my final opportunity to convey the insights I’ve gained from this article. What aspects of this article would you like to remember three years from now? My counsel is to listen to your heart, to that inner voice. Often, God communicates with us on a personal level, speaking from within.
If you have an innate inclination to perform good deeds for others, continue to do so and strive to excel even further. This will be your legacy; people will remember you for your actions. Moreover, if possible, jot down your reflections. Writing is a powerful tool that aids in our understanding of human history. Let us not grow tired of always doing good. This is my advice and my message to you, the reader.
I hope that the article on Deeds has been particularly beneficial to you. Would you care to share your thoughts on it in the comments section below? Your feedback and support are highly valued and will assist me in crafting better articles in the future. I pray for God’s blessings and protection over you during and beyond the global pandemic. Shalom!
FURTHER READINGS
- Deed Definition and Meaning—Collins Dictionary.
- The Science of Good Deeds—WebMD.