Walking the Talk

Many years ago, at the beginning of my ministry, Linda and I were engaged in a solve the world discussion with other pastors and missionaries. The topic was vitamins and the amazing powers of Vitamin E to cure all things. I was convinced and ready to go to the nearest health food store to buy some. Then I asked a stupid question, How many and which vitamins do you take? The answer was - you guessed it - I don't take any; my wife does! Well, no Vitamin E for me. If you don't walk the talk then the talk has no value for me.

Evangelism follows a similar logic. There are many programs assisting us with the talk. we can present the gospel in a host of ways. My denomination seems to have a different approach every year! With all the approaches we should expect America to be converted and living for Jesus. We know that's not true, so what happened?

Peter gives us a major clue when he instructs the early believers to be able to give non-Christians an answer for the believer's faith. This verse is the John 3:16 for apologists since the word for reason is the same word from which apologetics is derived. The key, however, is that non-believers are asking believers why they have hope. This verse is in the context of how believers should live in a non-believing world.

Jesus spent his life living and teaching the Kingdom of God. Because of that he was always being asked spiritual questions. Now, for a period of self-examination. When was the last time someone initiated a spiritual conversation with us because of our lifestyle? That is the problem with contemporary evangelism, our walk does not match our talk. Look closely at the Sermon on the Mount - our lives should mirror those three chapters.

You see, non-believers can argue theology and philosophy but they cannot argue our lives. Our new lives are our self-disclosure of our acceptance of the Gospel. If the effects of conversion aren't evident then the non-believer will conclude that the gospel is not powerful enough to change anything. If our lives come anywhere close to the Sermon on the Mount we will get a reaction.

John 3:19-21 tells us what that reaction will be. The reaction depends on the heart condition of the onlooker. If the onlooker is attracted it is because (s)he is of the light; if not (s)he is of the darkness. What one loves will either attract or repulse people from us. Remember when Jesus told his disciples to beware of when people speak well of you? Could it be that the normal reaction of non-believers is repulsion to the gospel? Those that truly are looking for hope will find the gospel inviting, especially if they see the gospel being lived out in you and me.

Christmas is coming - let us not only tell people about the coming Christ; let us also live in a way that demonstrates that he comes to my house. Honey, it's time to pick up the house, company's coming! Even so, Lord Jesus, come.