Walk the Walk

OPENING PRAYER. . .Loving God, Creator of all that is, here I am--today in this place that you have given me, with all the senses you have given me. Help me to use them to experience you on a deeper level. May I experience you all around me, open me to know more of your ways and know that your goodness surrounds me. Thank you for this time to be with you, to be still and to just listen. Amen

LISTEN:  "Now Jesus turned to address his disciples, along with the crowd that had gathered with them. “The religion scholars and Pharisees are competent teachers in God’s Law. You won’t go wrong in following their teachings on Moses. But be careful about following them. They talk a good line, but they don’t live it. They don’t take it into their hearts and live it out in their behavior. It’s all spit-and-polish veneer.
“Instead of giving you God’s Law as food and drink by which you can banquet on God, they package it in bundles of rules, loading you down like pack animals. They seem to take pleasure in watching you stagger under these loads, and wouldn’t think of lifting a finger to help. Their lives are perpetual fashion shows, embroidered prayer shawls one day and flowery prayers the next." Matthew 23: 1-6 The Message

CONSIDER:  Jesus is giving us a warning. . .watch out for leaders who don't practice what they preach.  They talk the talk but don't walk the walk. We are reminded that what we say is not as crucial as what we do.  It doesn't matter if you are a political leader, a boss or a religious, church leader.  Words are cheap.  Deeds cost! And reality is. . .we don't always want to pay that cost. Jesus tells us, don't just tell them that you love them.  Show them you love them!

SO WHAT:  Sweet talk is one thing, but how about lifting a hand to lift the burdens we've has imposed on others? Are you saying, "I don't impose any burdens on others".  Most of the time we would rather be served than serve. We don't always think of the needs of others over self-interest.  We each have an impact on others and often stand in authority over them.

We are often quick to say what we believe, but the lives we live say far more than our words do. Are we following the example of Jesus or just talking about Jesus?

• Do we ever think about doing more than what is required of us?
• Who in your life needs a break? How can YOU help?
• What can I do today to relieve the burdens of others?
• Do ONE thing TODAY to help.

PRAYER:  Dear Lord, help me not only talk the talk today, but walk the walk. When others look at my life Lord, may they see you. Hide me behind your love, help me to not just tell others about your love, lead me to show that love. Amen