Walk It And Talk It
OPENING PRAYER:
Dear Father, because I know that You have the words of truth, I ask for insight and encouragement today from Your Word. In Jesus name, Amen.
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6 NIV
REFLECT:
The book of Proverbs in the Old Testament consists of 915 verses. All these verses serve as wisdom and warnings for steering a right course for life. They do not promise a life absent of problems or difficulties but do provide practical godly advice for the wise to follow. As all parents certainly know, you can give advice but the recipient can listen or not and follow or not. There are no guarantees. Grandpa used to say, "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink." Good coaching is only part of the battle but it is much better than absent or bad coaching. However even better than just talking the talk, is walking the talk. What we do and how we say what we say makes a big difference in our communication. Often what we do and how we do it is remembered much longer than what we say. The apostle Paul coached young Timothy, "Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. I Timothy 4:12 NLT
APPLY:
You would be surprised at how many people watch what you do, as well as what you say. Are you really who you say you are? Do your actions "speak louder than words"? It is not just little eyes and ears but family, friends, neighbors, church members, co-workers, and others that are impacted. It is true that as a Christ-follower, we "live for an audience of One (the Lord Jesus)." But it is also true that how we live is a witness - good or bad - of the power of God.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Father, make me an instrument of your peace. Let my life be a living example consistent with my words and in line with the wisdom and warnings in Proverbs. To Your glory and for Your Name, Amen
WORSHIP: