A song goes
like this, “What you are speaks so loud that the world can’t hear what you say;
they’re looking at your walk, not listening to you talk; they’re judging from
your actions every day.”
James 2:17-“Isn’t it
obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?”
2 Timothy 4:2- “Preach the
word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage-
with great patience and careful instruction.
Titus 2:7-8- “In everything
set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity,
seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who
oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.”
You know it’s
so easy to say we believe in God and we are Christians and all that. But
where’s the proof? What practical reason is there to back your talk? Can it be
truly said of you behind your back that you TRULY, ACTUALLY believe in God? The
plain truth remains that it is what you DO that proves the truthfulness of what
you SAY. It is not just enough to have faith without works to prove your faith!
Our ultimate
example, Jesus Christ left us with the mandate to preach the Word before He
left earth. His command was not just talking about preaching the Word with
words but most importantly, preaching with our lifestyles. It is proven fact
that the way a person acts sends a clear and loud message concerning that
person to others even before they are spoken to.
Therefore, the
question arises that asks, what message are you passing to others through your
lifestyle? Are you a rebel at home, a saint at church and a cheat at work or
school? You are being watched.
Francis Assisi
said, “Preach the gospel always and when necessary use words!” Wow!!! This then
means that my every action is presenting the gospel. But then, is it presenting
the gospel correctly? Does my lifestyle lift high the One I preach? We are
victims of talking too much and doing so little! People want to see your life
before they hear about your Jesus. It’s that simple.
Your life may
be the only Bible someone will get to read. If that is so, will it be worth the
read? Remember, you are the Jesus people see, are you representing Him well,
walking in His steps? Your decision to return the extra change given to you by
the market woman or your decision to answer a hurtful statement with kindness
may just be the push the person needs to want to know more about Jesus and what
a privilege to be the channel God uses to lead such a one to salvation in
Christ!
If I truly
claim to be saved then it is paramount that my lifestyle should show that I am
truly saved and now a child of the light. Remember that you are like a
signboard pointing others to Christ. Are you pointing them in the right
direction? Do not give others a reason to question your faith. It’s time to
walk your talk!
Jesus, our
perfect example walked His talk. He taught that we love our enemies and pray
for them. Guess what? He did not fall short of what He taught. He went to the
cross to die for the same people who crucified Him and He prayed for them right
there on the cross! Such a perfect example! The Bible recalls that someone
observed saying, “Truly He was the Son of God.” Can that be said of you? Step
up and stop falling short of what you preach! It may look difficult but that’s
why the Bible says in Titus 2:11-12 that “For
the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches
us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled,
upright and godly lives in this present age.”
So my brothers
and sisters, it is possible to live right! All you need to do is embrace God’s
sustaining grace. The world is waiting for the manifestation of the sons of
God. Let your faith spill over into your daily life because what matters is not
faith and works; neither is
it faith or works, BUT faith that works.
Preach the
Word; Walk your talk!
References:
1.
ODB 2014, August 3rd entry.
2.
Holy Bible, NIV (Zondervan)
3.
The Message Bible (NavPress)
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