“Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me (Paul)- everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:9 (NLT)
Actions are always louder than words. As believers, we are called to practice what we believe every day not just read and hear the Word then go on about our day earthbound with a “business as usual” attitude. It’s not enough to know the bible. We must live the Word. Why do we feel inhibited many times? Why would we, as believers, choose to place our faith in the background, unused except on church day? If we believe, we must practice what we believe every day, all day long.
Few are called to preach on street corners and even fewer as martyrs, but even that is not what is meant here. Nor is throwing out bible verses as a type of “teaching” in a judgmental way as it turns unbelievers off and ultimately destroys God’s Word. As well, to just spout out verses and biblical history without following up with life meaning is an easy, virtuous, statement that falls flat. Neither are we all called to be ministers, missionaries, or to lead God movements. Yet, we are all teachers as our actions are always teaching those around us everyday by how we react to life, how we treat others, and especially when we say we believe one thing, but our actions say something else. Do others know what you believe? In other words, if we, as believers, rely on the Holy Spirit instead of our own human knowledge, we are led away from the waywardness, our lives are changed from within, and we can stand firm in faith without fear in the face of adversity. This then translates into how we live our lives. We all have different callings upon our lives from God for the purpose of greater good. Do You Know Your Calling?
Personally, I have stepped out, boldly, in faith to share my story in a book, blog, and in song. This life may not seem grandiose, but it is my calling – to teach. After running away from it for years, I have finally, and gladly accepted it. In fact, it’s one of the most peaceful things I’ve ever experienced. Once I relented self, I realized that even though earthly standards place more value on career success, wealth, and possessions; God places more value on our just humbly going about His business. He values our willingness to help an addict especially when we must expose familial secrets we’ve held close, when we give a homeless person a meal, serve at the soup kitchen, make bird nests for rescues, or whatever He, through His Holy Spirit, sends your way each day in life. Those are your opportunities. That is living out what we believe – His Word.
God is tired of believers standing back to wait and see, hiding behind fear or in the church building, trying to fit in, trying to go unnoticed, etc. It connotates Silence. It’s a sad Silencing of His Word and the testimony of the mighty work He’s done and continues to do in so many lives. Why would we hide away something so Powerful, Freeing, and Forgiving when the Holy Spirit within can guide us every moment of every day if only we would just ask for the help in knowing what to do and how to do it. That, too, takes practice for we live in a world of manipulation, fear tactics, controlling leaders, scary people, busyness, impulsive decisions, and injustices. However, if we Believe the Holy Power of His Word can transform us, then why not share it as opportunities arise each day?
God is profoundly Bold and needs for Believers to be profoundly Bold in His Name. Otherwise, all the words, convincing arguments, and memorized bible verses fall as untruths in this doubtful world. Time to Allow His Word to Impact not only Your LIfe, but also the Lives of Those Around You through your actions in a positive way. Practice Living the Word – It Transforms Fear into Boldness.