Are You Walking the Talk? How to Walk the Talk.

Do you walk the talk? When it comes to your beliefs about God, are you walking the talk? Steph Nickel points out that as Christians, our actions should reflect our beliefs.

What Do You Believe?

In Matthew 23, Jesus says,

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!” five times.

It’s so much easier to sit back and pass judgment on others than it is to examine ourselves. It isn’t enough to simply do better than our neighbor. We must prayerfully examine our hearts, motives, and aspirations. As God enables us, we must reveal what we believe not only by our words but also by our actions, our behaviour.

When my second-born son was given an assignment in Bible College, he approached it in a unique way. The question was this: “What do you believe?” Instead of giving the expected theological responses, he chose to examine his actions. He knew they reflected what he truly believed. None of the professor’s other students had approached the assignment this way. I think it serves as a good example for all of us.

The Pharisees Did Not Walk the Talk

It was very much the same measuring rod Jesus used to determine that the scribes and Pharisees were, indeed, hypocrites. They talked a good talk. They were familiar with the Scriptures. And they were good at issuing instructions to others. But they just didn’t get it. They didn’t recognize the fulfilment of God’s promise to send a Messiah when Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was standing right in front of them.

And as we read recently, they lay heavy burdens of expected behaviour on those in their charge and did nothing to help them bear those burdens. They seemed to understand what we call the letter of the law. They knew what it said, but God’s Word is so much more than that. In its pages we come to know God’s motives and intentions, His character. We come to see the big picture, God’s plan, which has remained the same from before creation.

We must examine our behaviour, our day-to-day words and deeds, and consider what it says about our beliefs.

Walk the Talk

Do we believe that God’s Word instructs us to come before Him in prayer?

Do we believe that He hears and answers the prayers of His children? Do we believe situations as well as our character will be changed if we set aside time to enter the Lord’s presence?

If we say yes to these questions yet neglect our prayer life (which I do too often), we must seek God’s help to do better. We must set aside some of those things that keep us speeding through life. If we’re too busy to pray, we’re simply too busy.

Do we believe the Bible is God’s Word?

Do we believe that in its pages we learn how the Lord wants us to live? Do we believe that we can depend on the promises we find there? Do we believe that it is the ultimate source of encouragement, motivation, and spiritual insight? Do we believe that it contains the answers to life’s most difficult questions?

If we say yes—even maybe—to one or more of these questions, why don’t we set aside more time to delve into this, the most unique of all books ever written? Though our To Do list may be impossibly long, if reading and meditating on God’s Word isn’t right near the top of that list, it is time to do some re-evaluating. Just what do we truly believe anyway?

And what do we believe about our fellow Christians?

Do we believe God has a plan and purpose for each one? Do we believe they are part of the same family, the family of God? Do we believe they are actually members of the same body, the body of Christ, here on Earth to make Him known? Do we believe that we need each one because working together is the only way to fulfill our purpose?

If we say yes to these questions, just how should this affect how we interact with one another? Should we say hurtful things about others—whether to their face or behind their back? Should we sulk because no one seems to notice us or value our contribution? Should we look down on others, considering ourselves to be more spiritually mature, more righteous, more valuable to God’s kingdom?

Or should we . . .

Seek to build up one another? Lend a helping hand when a fellow believer has a need? Encourage one another in word and deed? Thank those who diligently serve the Lord and others, whether on the frontlines or in the shadows? Seek to be mentored by someone further along the journey of faith and seek to mentor someone who is not as far along as we are?

Don’t be a Hypocrite – Walk the Talk!

Having said all that, I would not want God to think of me as a hypocrite. You see, I, too, need His mercy and grace to live as He commands, to live out those things I say I believe. The reason I have included the examples I have is as simple as this: I need to be challenged in these areas.

Our children know us well. If we admit to them that our faith walk is a journey and invite them to travel with us, they will have fewer reasons to accuse us of being hypocrites. With God’s help, our beliefs will be increasingly evidenced by the life we life.

Today, as God enables, let’s seek to work on one area where our walk and our talk don’t line up. Let’s walk the talk!

How do you walk the talk? Contact us– we’d love to hear from you!