Walk the Talk

I know a guy. We’ll call this guy, Bill. Bill is what many people would call a “walking Bible.” Bill can quote scripture from Genesis to Revelation. If you have a question, he can find it in scripture. When he’s given a topic, he can find verses to back it up. Most of us are not Bill.

William J. Toms said, “Be careful how you live, you may be the only Bible some people will ever read.” That’s a daunting truth, isn’t it? Well, maybe not for Bill. The truth is, many people will not pick up a Bible, but they will watch our lives unfold daily.

We strive to reflect our Heavenly Father, but many times fall short. Sometimes we are quick to talk about Jesus but fail to remember that our actions must back up our words. The idea that we might be the only Bible someone will ever read carries a heavy responsibility. It causes us to re-examine our own actions. It prompts us to reevaluate the way we treat others. It might even cause us to think twice in traffic!

So, how do we walk the talk? Galatians 5:22-23 tells us the positive characteristics that we as Christ followers should strive to cultivate. “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” If we allow the Holy Spirit to guide our lives, we will begin to see these fruits grow. The way we treat others will reflect the words we say. If we talk about loving others, we will love the unloved. If we preach patience, we’ll control our tempers. What a powerful version of the Bible our friends and family will be reading. You can be a “walking Bible.” Move over Bill!

Do Something

1. Have you ever considered how your actions might affect others? Do your actions reflect Christ?
2. Read Galatians 5:22-23 every day this week.
3. Ask God to help you to embrace the fruit of the spirit and allow Him to change your life.