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Daily Scripture
The Walk and the Talk
By: Unknown
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?
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.
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.
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.
Article Source: The Living Solution
