I won't take my religion from any man who never works except with

"I won't take my religion from any man who never works except with his mouth." – Carl Sandburg.

In this bold statement, Carl Sandburg speaks to the heart of integrity and authenticity. He challenges us to look beyond the empty words of those who profess to hold moral or spiritual authority, yet do nothing to demonstrate those beliefs through action. Religion, Sandburg suggests, is not about empty rhetoric or self-righteous speeches, but about the work—the labor—that one puts into the world. True faith is revealed not in words, but in the way one lives, the sweat on one’s brow, and the effort exerted in the service of others. A person who speaks only of virtue, yet does not engage in the hard work of love, justice, and service, is no true spiritual guide.

The ancient philosophers also recognized the profound importance of action over mere words. Aristotle, in his teachings on virtue, stressed that it is not enough to know what is right; one must do what is right. Virtue is found in habitual practice, not in occasional good intentions. Just as an athlete does not become great through speech alone, but through hours of training, so too must one cultivate their spirituality through consistent, meaningful action. This is the very essence of what Sandburg is saying—that true religion is about doing and being, not about talking.

Consider the example of Mahatma Gandhi, a man who not only spoke of non-violence and truth but lived those principles in his daily actions. Gandhi’s life was an embodiment of his teachings. He did not simply preach about peace and justice from a podium; he walked barefoot across India, fasted for causes of justice, and lived simply, practicing what he preached. His leadership was rooted not in lofty words, but in action—in the daily, grinding work of creating a better world for all people. Gandhi’s commitment to non-violence and self-sufficiency was not abstract theory but lived practice, and it was this authenticity that made him a beacon of truth for millions.

Similarly, Martin Luther King Jr., who spoke so eloquently of justice and equality, was not a man whose words were detached from the reality of his life. He walked the streets of Selma, marched in Washington, and spent countless hours working for a greater cause. King’s faith was grounded in action, in his unwavering belief that faith without works was a hollow pursuit. His life was proof that true religion is not a set of doctrines or dogmas, but a commitment to action that transforms society.

Sandburg’s words resonate deeply with those of us who live in a world often dominated by words—by politicians who speak of change but do little to implement it, by preachers whose lives are disconnected from their messages, and by individuals who pontificate on justice but do not lift a finger to improve the lives of others. These words serve as a reminder: the real power of religion, or of any moral belief, lies not in grand speeches or proclamations, but in the actions we take in the service of others. The true test of faith is not found in the loudness of words, but in the quietness of deeds.

In the journey of life, we must look to those who do not merely speak about the virtues of love, justice, and compassion, but those who embody these qualities in their actions. The lesson here is one of integrity—that words alone do not define our character, but rather it is our actions, our deeds, and our daily commitment to live in alignment with our values that reveal our true nature. To practice what we preach is the highest form of spirituality and morality, for it is through action that we demonstrate the depth of our belief.

In our own lives, let us examine how we live out our values. Do our actions reflect the words we speak? Are we willing to put in the work, the sacrifice, and the labor to create the world we wish to see? Whether in our relationships, our communities, or our work, let us make sure that we are not merely talking about love, justice, and faith, but that we are actively living these principles, day in and day out. Just as the ancients taught, and as Sandburg reminds us, true religion—and true humanity—is found in the actions we take, not in the words we speak.