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The Walk and the Talk |
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The expression, "Walking with the Lord" is often used
by professing Christians. How many of us really strive to do
this on a daily basis? What does it really mean?
I love to go on walks. Sometimes it is for exercise, sometime
just to stroll. Walking with a friend, loved one or family member
can be a rewarding experience. My young son is a treat to walk
with. He's still full of enthusiastic questioning and awe of
nature. When we walk, it's not always side-by-side. Usually
he's running on ahead and then waiting for me to catch up so
he can describe something he just saw or to ask me why something
is the way it is.
Such youthful exuberance is fun. However, as a maturing Christian
I need to avoid running ahead of the Lord or lagging behind
him. I need to be in step.
When I walk, sometimes I like to be by myself. I'm not really alone,
of course. My thoughts are with me and I like to use the time
to talk to God. I find in the movement and the outdoors my mind
is more open to hearing Him and I can be flooded with great
insight and inspiration. Sometimes it is just awesome gratitude
for being alive and knowing Him! Unfortunately, there are also
times when I'm guilty of not even acknowledging that Jesus is
alongside.
When we walk with God we get reminded of how we should live and what
our relationship is with Him. Is Jesus really at the center
of my life and in control? Am I letting the Holy Spirit speak
to me and guide me?
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The proof is in my actions
I must "walk the talk", as the saying
goes. Sure, it's hard. The difficulty comes because I fall back
on self-will. If I let go and let God drive my bus it really
isn't that difficult. The reward is to go with the flow of God's
constant love and guidance.
My actions should be a reflection of my beliefs. My integrity,
or lack of it, is on display all the time. Therefore, I must
be keenly aware of my actions and ready to make course corrections
when necessary. One of the potential pitfalls is hypocrisy.
If I think I'm so good and show off my goodness from a self-righteous
motivation then I am guilty of the same thing as the Pharisees
in Jesus' day. They were admonished in no uncertain terms for
their false righteousness and hypocrisy.
People will say they agree with the concepts of being kind, loving,
patient, courteous and peaceful. Our actions are often contrary.
We must be true to ourselves. A definition of integrity is being
the same on the outside as we are on the inside. Sometimes we
must set aside our desire for popularity and fitting in with
the crowd. It's wrong to seek man's approval when we should
be concerned with doing what God teaches us is right. We must
be able to stand up for what we believe in.
I find it odd that so many people will say they really respect
someone who stands up for their convictions and yet fail to
do so themselves. Maybe we are reluctant to see ourselves as
we really are.
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To thine own self be true
In other words, let's not kid ourselves.
As a test, try seeing yourself the way others do. What does your
spouse see? Your children? Your co-workers, friends and neighbors?
If you asked any of them what kind of person you were and they
answered honestly-what would they say? The feedback could be
painful, but if it points out areas to grow in then it's valuable
information.
If you feel like you aren't measuring up, don't be discouraged.
We are in the process of transformation. God is renewing us
through Christ. Be honest and change what you can and don't
just say the right things. Do them and your walk will be your
talk.
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Scripture taken from the Holy Bible,
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.Copyright © 1973, 1978,
1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout
the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® and NIV® are registered trademarks
of International Bible Society. Use of either trademark for
the offering of goods or services requires the prior written
consent of International Bible Society.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible,
New Living Translation, copyright ©1996. Used by permission
of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL 60189, USA. All
rights reserved.
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PHILIPPIANS 4:8
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"Finally, brothers, whatever
is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is
pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything
is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things"
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(NIV)
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JAMES 2:14-17
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"Dear brothers and sisters,
what's the use of saying you have faith if you don't prove
it by your actions? That kind of faith can't save anyone.
Suppose you see a brother or sister who needs food or clothing,
and you say, "Well, good-bye and God bless you; stay
warm and eat well"--but then you don't give that person
any food or clothing. What good does that do?
So you see, it isn't enough just to have faith. Faith that
doesn't show itself by good deeds is no faith at all--it is
dead and useless"
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(NLT)
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