Walk the Talk
POSTED Mar 31, 01:14 PM
From the Pastor’s Desk –Walk the Talk
In my private quiet time I’ve been studying the book of James again recently. The theme of James that continually jumps off the page to hit us right between the eyes is Practical Christianity. In other words, James constantly encourages us not just to read the Bible or hear the Bible, but to Do the Bible – not just to talk the talk, but to walk the walk – to be Doers of the Word and not hearers only (1:22, 2:17, 3:13, 4:17).
Martin Luther said in so many words, “Good works do not make a good person, but a good person does good works. John Calvin said Christians show “the sign of salvation.” In other words, creeds are demonstrated by deeds. Talk is proven by Walk. Robert Kopp reminds us that Christianity is communicated through confession (what we believe), countenance (how we look), and conduct (what we do).
We find the same thought presented to us by Luke. In Luke 24:13-35, we read of two disciples walking along the road to Emmaus after Jesus’ Death, Burial, and Resurrection. They were sharing with each other about everything that had happened. Consider the following:
1. We Share Our Faith Through Confession.
Do we confess our Faith? Do we talk about what we believe with our family, friends, and co-workers? These two disciples were walking along the road talking with each other about Christ. They were sharing and confessing their faith with one another. They were, more than likely, also confessing their doubts, their questions, and their fears. When Jesus met them on the road, before they recognized Him, they talked with Him about their faith and all that had happened. We need to be confessing our faith more – not just in our worship service, but all the time looking for opportunities for share the Gospel. You can’t share what you don’t have.
2. We Share Our Faith Through Countenance.
Luke 24:17 tells us that these two disciples were downcast. They were sad, disheartened, and struggling with disillusion. Are you a sad Christian or a happy Christian? Better yet, are you a joyful Christian? Sure, we all have times of sadness and grief. But if we have Christ in us, then we have every reason in the world to joyful. We should look as though Jesus rose from the dead and reigns forever! Because He did and does! Jesus gives us the reason to smile, even in the midst of trial. Our countenance is a big part of our witness. Is Jesus really making a difference in your life or not? Remember the old VBS song, “If you are happy and you know it, then you really ought to show it!”
3. We Share Our Faith Through Conduct.
After Jesus opened the eyes of these two disciples, they immediately went to Jerusalem and told what had happened to them on the road. If you have a faith to share then you will share it. Are you excited about your faith? Are you excited about what Jesus has done for you? Are you excited about the Atlanta Braves’ last victory? Which of those are you more likely to share with others? Which has a greater impact on your conduct or mood? A life lived for Jesus is a more powerful sermon than anything preached from the pulpit. What we say and do is an expression of who we really are inside – our true character. We need to be careful that our true character and conduct is conveying the message of Jesus.
We have great theology (talk), but is it really making a difference in the way we live (walk)? Let’s all work harder to Walk the Talk. Let’s be doers of the Word and not hearers only (James 1:22).
