It Runs in the Family

My New Grandson

My new grandson looks just like Winston Churchill. Okay, not anymore. But just after his delivery, Jackson was a carbon baby copy of ol’ Winnie. Round face. Chubby cheeks. Button nose. Puffy eyes. The only things missing were the hat and cigar.

Over the past seven months, he’s thankfully taken on a strong resemblance to several members of his family. People see his mom’s eyes. Other folks make out his dad’s smile. Some even say Jackson has his grandpa’s dazzling personality. But is that REALLY my place to say?

Some families have strong physical traits that run powerfully through their descendants. You know what I’m talking about. There’s the legendary Kennedy chin. Will and Jada Pinkett Smith have apparently cloned themselves in their children. And the Kardashians are famous for their…well, um…fame.

Jesus’ Closest Relatives

Did you know there was a day when Jesus talked about His family resemblance? Mark writes all about the day our Savior was hanging out with a bunch of His followers when His mother and brothers show up to see Him (Mk 3:31-34).

When Christ gets word they are outside, He suddenly drops a bomb on His nuclear family in front of the crowd. He says His closest relatives include a lot more people than just His human parents and siblings.

It Runs in the Family

Jesus says they all share a strong family resemblance. What could it be? Full head of hair? Strong nose? The ability to water ski without a boat? Possibly.

But there’s one distinguishing trait that makes Jesus’ true family members unmistakeable. His true mom, His real brothers and sisters are the folks who love to obey their heavenly Dad.

In other words, obedience to God’s will runs in the family.

Rocky’s Story

We find Christ’s description of His spiritual next of kin in the third chapter of an ancient document we call the Gospel of Mark. This is actually the personal account of Jesus’ life from Peter’s perspective, the man our Savior chose to lead His team.

Many of the Lord’s followers back in the early church were totally convinced Pete is the source. The apostle Jesus nicknames Rocky shares the Son of God’s story with his young friend John Mark. That’s how we came to know it as the Book of Mark.

Insane or in Satan?

The scene Mark describes here is, shall we say, “messy.” For those of you who think the Bible is a collection of well-edited and whitewashed stories that make everybody look like squeaky clean, think again.

Mark has already told us that Jesus’ closest family members have shown up outside the crowded house for an intervention (Mk 3:20-21). It’s time to take their big Brother home. They’re convinced He’s not so much the Christ but cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs. Don’t believe me? Read it for yourself.

While they wait outside, Jesus has an interesting little debate with a team of religious muckety-mucks from the home office in Jerusalem (Mk 3:22-30). They don’t think Christ is cray-cray but instead accuse Him of collaborating with the enemy. And when I say “enemy,” they mean Satan.

Mary Calls a Family Meeting

Once Jesus sets the scribes straight, it’s time to deal with His family. “Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see Him. They stood outside and sent word for Him to come out and talk with them. There was a crowd sitting around Jesus, and someone said, ‘Your mother and your brothers are outside asking for You’” (v31-32).

Mary and her boys don’t come inside. Maybe it’s too crowded. Maybe they don’t want to embarrass Jesus in front of His closest friends and followers. For whatever reason, send Him an invitation to chat in the front yard.

His Brothers Don’t Believe Him

Mark has already made it uncomfortably clear how they’re questioning the Messiah’s mental health. His closest family members have serious doubts about all His talk of the kingdom of God. At this point, His own brothers don’t believe Jesus (Jn 7:5). They even openly tease Him (Jn 7:3).

Okay, so Christ’s kid brothers aren’t buying what He’s selling. Is that such a surprise? What would it take for your siblings to believe you’re God? How about walking out of the cemetery after your own burial? That certainly did the trick for Jesus’ brothers.

A Teenage Pregnancy

And what about Mary? You remember her story, don’t you? She gets a surprise visit from an angel named Gabriel who tells her how her teenage pregnancy will result in the Son of God (Lk 1:26-38).

The next thing you know she and her hammer-swinging husband Joe on the road to Bethlehem where they turn a barn into a birthing room (Lk 2:1-7). They get a visit from some smelly shepherds who tell a crazy story about an angelic light show announcing news about their newborn Son (Lk 2:8-20).

Mary’s Treasured Memories

Eight days later, the happy couple take their brand new Baby to the temple in Jerusalem for His bris, that rather delicate surgery done on little Jewish boys (2:21-38). There they meet Simeon and Anna who understand this Child is the one God has been promising to send for thousands of years.

While Mary certainly treasures these moments forever (Lk 2:19, 51), she apparently can’t wrap her maternal brain around all of who Jesus is and what He’s sent to do. And seriously, who can blame her? Do you know any other mother who’s given birth to the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and the Second Person of the Trinity? Yeah, I didn’t think so.

An Amber Alert for God’s Son

Probably the best example of her misunderstanding her Son happens when Jesus is twelve. When Joe and Mary pack up the fam and head home from Passover, they don’t notice that their oldest Boy isn’t with them until they stop the next night (Lk 2:41-51).

His human parents hustle back to Jerusalem and look for Him everywhere for three days. Imagine hearing of an Amber Alert for the Savior of the world? Eventually they find twelve-year-old Jesus in the middle of a Q-and-A with the greatest Jewish scholars of the day.

Joe and Mary tell Him they’ve been worried sick. Their Son wonders why they didn’t come straight to the temple or in His words, “My Father’s house” (Lk 2:49). That went right over their heads. “They didn’t understand what he meant” (Lk 2:50).

A Crowded House in Capernaum

Fast forward twenty years later to the scene at the crowded house in Capernaum. Has Mary somehow forgotten all these amazing memories? No, but maybe doubt and time began to corrode her trust in God since then.

Don’t think that’s possible? Pretty sure that could ever happen to you? Ever hear the story about God miraculously leading the Israelites out of Egypt with a fiery funnel cloud while splitting apart the Red Sea for a shortcut?

Frosted Flakes and Doubting Thomas

No way they could ever doubt God after that, right? Wrong. It wasn’t long after that God’s chosen people were whining about the free Frosted Flakes He served them every morning (Num 11:6).

Then there’s our old buddy the Apostle Thomas. Here’s a dude who has a front row seat to watch the Son of God perform one miracle after another for three years. Yet Tommy Boy has serious doubts about his friends’ bizarre story of Jesus’ resurrection when he’s not there to see it for himself (Jn 20:25).

Jesus’ Mom Needs a Savior

Maybe you come out of a faith tradition that puts Mary on a pedestal as the perfect mom. She never doubts or questions her oldest Son. But the truth is that Jesus’ own momma was very human. She needed a Savior just like the rest of us (Lk 1:47; Rom 3:23; 6:23).

When it comes to her faith, I’m guessing she’s a lot like you and me. She had her good days. She had her bad days. There were times when her trust in what God was doing through her family ran deep. Other times not so much. This appears to be one of those days of doubt.

When Your Faith Wobbles Wildly

Do you freak out when your faith wobbles wildly? Hey, I’m not afraid to admit it. But the most important thing about your faith is the object of our faith. A weak faith in something or, in this case, Someone strong makes all the difference.

A strong faith in a weak object is a total waste of time. For instance, I might believe with every fiber of my being that I can dunk in my Nike LeBrons.

The Ultimate Object

There’s just one little problem. Me. I’m 5’ 10” and could barely touch the rim when I was in high school. Forty years later, my hops have not improved. No matter what I believe about a pair of high dollar kicks, they won’t do the trick.

But trusting in Jesus is always a sure thing. It’s why Paul tells his friend Timothy, “If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful” (2Tim 2:13). Whenever we place our weak faith in the ultimate Object, it’s a slam dunk!

Jesus’ Family Tree

Back inside the house, Christ doesn’t get up and go outside to talk to His family. Instead He asks the standing room only crowd a couple of questions. “Jesus replied, ‘Who is My mother? Who are My brothers?’” (v33).

One of the favorite pastimes in Galilee is taking a chainsaw to Jesus’ family tree. He didn’t exactly come from the good side of the tracks. It’s an easy target. Even Nathanael, one of His own disciples questions, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” (Jn 1:46).

Critics in His own hometown love to bring up Jesus’ blue-collar background and trailer park tribe. “He’s just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And His sisters live right here among us” (Mk 6:3).

A Strong Resemblance

If I’m in the room, my answer to Jesus’ question about the identity of His family would be those folks outside. But Jesus’ isn’t looking to see who might have His family roster memorized. In reality, Christ wants to know what marks somebody as one of His close family members. Who shares a strong family resemblance?

Before anybody in the house can answer, the Lord fills in the blank for them. “Then He looked at those around Him and said, ‘Look, these are My mother and brothers’” (v34). Matthew tells us that Jesus points to His dozen disciples when He says this (Mt 12:49).

Jesus Connects the Dots

The Message makes it clear. “Right here, right in front of you—My mother and My brothers” (v34 The Message). You gotta figure folks are scratching their heads when He says this. Mother? Brothers? WHAT?!? I thought Your fam is in the front yard? These knuckleheads don’t look anything like You!

That’s when Jesus connects all the dots. “Anyone who does God’s will is My brother and sister and mother” (v35). In his version of this very same story, Dr. Luke quotes Christ as saying that His closest family members “are those who hear God’s Word and obey it” (Lk 8:21).

Notice that obeying the will of God means not just hearing it but doing it. Our obedience to God is in the application, not just the head knowledge of what He says. According to Jesus’ kid brother, knowing what to do without actually doing it is a waste of time (James 1:22-24).

Looking Like Our Heavenly Dad

Jesus wants us to know that obedience to our Father in heaven is what gives us the unmistakable family resemblance. Forget hair color, height, or sense of humor. We suddenly look a whole lot like the Son of God when we do what His Dad says.

As a matter of fact, the Lord is saying that the ties to our spiritual family are WAY stronger than to our blood relatives. That’s certainly great news for anyone who’s human family puts the funk in dysfunction. In case you’re wondering, that would be all of us.

The Savior’s Spiritual Family

The writer of Hebrews talks about our Savior’s amazing spiritual family. “So now Jesus and the ones He makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them His brothers and sisters” (Heb 2:11).

A guy named Paul backs that up in a letter to believers in Rome. He says that God the Father personally selects His kids in advance to become like His Son. And that Jesus is “the firstborn among many brothers and sisters” (Rom 8:29).

Our Ultimate Big Brother

If we’ve placed our trust in Christ, He’s our Big Brother. Not only that but our Dad is making us look more and more like our oldest Brother every single day. Let that sink in. We participate in that process every time we do what God says.

Jesus tells the packed house that doing what God wants is what really makes His followers favor the family. That means there’s nothing that we can do to resemble our Big Brother and Heavenly Dad more than willing submission and obedience.

Loaded with Laws

Just what does that mean? Have you seen the Bible? It’s loaded with laws and commands. Jewish scholars have counted 613 commandments in the OT. According to some, the NT has another 1,015 rules and regulations.

If that’s not intimidating enough, Jesus’ little brother James goes so far as to say that if we break one law, we’ve broken all of them (James 2:10). I don’t know about you, but I won’t make past breakfast.

The Top of the To-Do List

That’s what makes the Good News such great news. “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the One He has sent” (Jn 6:28-29). At the top of our Heavenly Dad’s to-do list for us is this: Place our trust in His Son.

Jesus is the only one who’s ever lived to have a perfect record of obedience to His Father’s rules. He batted 1.000. Got ‘em all right. Every single do and do not. Christ did for us what we could never do for ourselves.

Jesus’ Perfect Obedience

Our Savior invites us to place our trust in His perfect obedience. He lived the perfect life that we’ve failed to live. He died the death for our sin and rebellion that we should have died. And if that’s not enough, He rose to a glorious new life that we don’t deserve.

Trusting in Jesus also means following His leadership. We unlock that overflowing life He made available (Jn 10:10) by doing what He says. Guess what? The more we do, the stronger our family resemblance to our Big Brother and Heavenly Dad.

Love God and Love People

A couple of different times, folks approach the radical Rabbi/Carpenter and ask Him to what obedience to God looks like. The Lord responds by summing up God’s law in two simple commands: Love God and love people (Mt 22:37-39; Mk 12:30-32). Notice I said “simple” and not “easy.”

Just before He heads home to heaven, Jesus doubles down on the command to love. “Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are My disciples” (Jn 13:34-35).

Did you catch the way we are to love? “Just as I have loved you.” Our Savior loved us by serving us (Mt 20:28; Mk 10:45). Paul tells his Philippian friends how the King of Kings left the heavenly throne room to became a slave in order rescue you and me (Phil 2:6-8).

To Love Is to Serve

God calls me to love others by serving others. That means putting their needs ahead of mine. It means forgiving them since God has already forgiven me of SO much. Showing them the same kind of amazing grace God’s shown me. Hey, it runs in the family.

It also includes sharing the incredible message of our awesome Big Brother with others. Remember, nobody’s good enough to get into God’s family on their own. We all need a Savior. God the Father is always looking to adopt new kids to reshape into the image of His Son!

It Runs in the Family

Meanwhile back in the Galilean living room, imagine the reaction to what Jesus has just said. The Lord has just given everyone there a sneak preview of His Dad’s soon-to-be growing family.

Jesus’ closest kin is not limited just to blood relatives. It will include those who do what His Father wants. You see, obedience to God’s will runs in the family.

©2017

Jay Jennings

The Ground Is Level at the Foot of the Cross

Critters on a Blanket
 

Here in Acts 10, the Gentile centurion Cornelius has invited the Apostle Peter to come from Joppa to Caesarea Maritima.  God gave both of these men visions reinforce the importance of their meeting.   

Pete properly understood his rooftop vision of critters on a blanket to mean that "I should not call any person common or unclean."  In other words, God Himself was throwing the door of salvation open wide to non-Jews.  This would have been absolutely unfathomable to first century Hebrews (Acts 10:1-33).

Our Impartial God

After Cornelius tells Pete about his vision, the apostle uses the opportunity to preach to those at the home in Caesarea.  He begins by stating a powerful truth.  A truth that he is still trying wrap his brain around.  "Truly, I understand that God shows no partiality" (v34).

Or as Billy Graham likes to say, the ground is level at the foot of the cross.

Through Jews to Gentiles

Pete was seeing first hand that God's gracious offer of salvation wasn't limited to His chosen people.  And God was using Pete to take that Good News THROUGH Jews to Gentiles.  The Scriptures are full of passages proclaiming God's divine impartiality (Dt 10:17; 2Chr 19:7; Rom 2:11; Acts 15:9).  But only now is Pete beginning to understand exactly the scope of this truth.  

The ground is level at the foot of the cross.

Only One Door but Open to All

Pete's sermon is loaded with statements loved by both who see the divine sovereignty and control of God (Calvinists) as well as those see our personal responsibility and accountability to respond to His offer of grace through faith (Arminians).

This might be the best way to get a theological grip on such a slippery issue.  Almighty God has opened the door of salvation to all (how VERY inclusive!).  Yet there is only one door (how VERY exclusive!).

Your Invitation to the Party

"In every nation anyone who fears Him and does what is right is acceptable to Him" (v35, emphasis mine).  Catch that? ANYONE who fears the Almighty.  Not a limited to a particular race or people group.  Anyone.  God has an invitation to His party with your name on it.  It doesn't matter who you are or where your from.  You are invited!  Don't miss the chance to RSVP to the most awesome event in all eternity!

No Limits on Forgiveness

Pete concludes this message by saying, "Everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name" (v43, emphasis mine).  Again, God extends His offer of forgiveness to everyone.  It's not limited to a particular neighborhood, zip code, skin color, background or demographic.  Everyone.  Do you fall into the category of "everyone?"  Thought so.  Again, we find this all-inclusive invitation throughout the Bible (Jn 3:16-18; Rom 10:11; Gal 3:22; Acts 13:38-39).

The ground is level at the foot of the cross.

Marching Orders for a Message

In his sermon, Peter tells of being an eyewitness to the mission and ministry of the amazing Rabbi/Carpenter from Nazareth.  Jesus has extended the offer of a once-and-for-all peace treaty with God (v36).  The baptism of Jesus was actually God anointing His Son with His Spirit (v38).  This enabled Christ (i.e. "the Anointed One") to do miraculous things "because God was with Him."

The apostle describes seeing firsthand Jesus' brutal crucifixion (v39).  But he also talks about it didn't end there.  "God raised Him on the third day and made Him to appear" to those He had handpicked as witnesses (v40-41).  And Pete tells his Caesarean audience how the risen Jesus gave these witnesses marching orders to take His message of salvation and forgiveness to the entire world (v42).

Anyone and Everyone 
If you only remember two words from Pete's preaching, remember these.
-Anyone.
-Everyone.

We're all invited to God's party.  Anyone.  Everyone.  You.  Me.  Us.  Them.  Yes, even them!  The Good News is very bad news for those who think God's people will be some sort of homogenized racial society.

But there is ONLY one party.  It's only through the door of faith in Jesus and His completed work on the cross.  It's both inclusive and exclusive.  And if you accept His invitation, there's one thing you discover when you walk through the door.

The ground is level at the foot of the cross.

©2011
Jay Jennings

Don't Stop Believin'

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it” (2Tim 3:14).

You’ve heard their stories before. A small town girl, livin’ in a lonely world. A city boy raised in South Detroit. A singer in a smoky room. Strangers waiting. Streetlight people. You’re singing in your head right now, aren’t you? Yeah, me too.

Unless you didn’t grow up listening to ‘80s rock, never saw an episode of “Glee,” or have simply been living under rock for the past couple of decades, we’re talking about the song “Don’t Stop Believin’.” The boys from Journey have cashed a few checks thanks to their hit tune from 1981. Go ahead. Sing it out. You know you want to. “Don’t stop believin’! Hold on to that feelin’!”

While Paul never owned any Journey albums, he certainly knew what Steve Perry and the guys are singing about. The apostle expresses a very similar sentiment in a letter to his protege Timothy. “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it” (v14). No matter what else happens, don’t let go of what you know. Keep on trusting what you’ve learned. Keep on trusting who you’ve learned it from.

Don’t stop believin’. Don’t stop applyin’. Keep on keepin’ on.

Pseudo-Christian Con Artists

Nobody can accuse Paul of “do what I say, not what I do.” Writing to Tim from behind bars (2Tim 1:9, 16; 2:9), he proves he’s a living, breathing example of someone who doesn’t stop beleivin’, who doesn’t stop applyin’, and who keeps on keepin’ on.

The apostle has faithfully followed Jesus all the way to Death Row in Rome (2Tim 4:6-7). With his execution not a matter of “if” but “when,” he fires off one last letter to the young pastor of the Ephesian church. Paul hopes he’ll see Tim one final time (2Tim 4:9, 21). Just in case that doesn’t happen, he chucks this note full of critical info about continuing to teach people about Christ (2Tim 2:1-4:5).

A big part of his instructions deal with fighting a team of spiritual hucksters who’ve wormed their way into the church. Led by a couple of guys named Hymenaeus and Philetus, they’ve distracted folks with all sorts of ridiculous garbage that sounds religious but has nothing to do with Jesus (2Tim 2:16-18).

They’re just the first in a long line of self-centered pseudo-Christian con artists who are nothing more than creepy sexual predators (2Tim 3:1-7). And the problem with these goobers is just going to get worse before it gets better (2Tim 3:13).

One of These Things Is Not Like the Other

At this point Paul puts the young pastor side by side with these religious hucksters and compares them. “But as for you” (v14). The contrast is obvious. The apostle’s phrasing in the original language emphasizes the HUGE contrast between Tim and the false teachers. As they sing on Sesame Street, one of these things is not like the other. One of these things is not the same. In this case, it’s Timothy.

Which brings us to one of those rather awkward moments of self-reflection. If we claim to be followers of the radical Rabbi/Carpenter from Galilee, are we different from those out to make a fast buck? Do I stand out from the crowd as someone who cares about people more than profit? Does my Savior shine brightly enough through my brokenness that folks can tell me from the counterfeit?

Keep on Keepin’ on

After clearly pointing out Timothy’s contrast to flimflammers of faith, Paul tells him what to do next. “Continue in what you have learned” (v14). Believe it or not, “continue” is the main verb and the key to unlocking the rest of the verse. And it’s in the form of a command. In other words, he tells Tim, “You must continue…You must keep on keepin’ on.”

The apostle uses a Greek word here (Gr. μενω/meno) which means to remain, abide, live, dwell, last, endure, or stay permanently. Dr. Luke describes the time a pregnant Mary moved in with her cousin Elizabeth and she “remained (Gr. μενω/meno) with her about three months” (Lk 1:56). When Jesus stops by the Samaritan village, they begged him to not to leave. “They asked Him to stay (Gr. μενω/meno) with them, and He stayed (Gr. μενω/meno) there two more days” (Jn 4:40). As they song says, “Stay…just a little bit longer.”

But one of my personal favorite uses of μενω/meno comes when Christ compares His relationship with us with a grapevine and its branches. Playing the part of grapevine is Jesus. “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides (Gr. μενω/meno) in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing” (Jn 15:5). Anything is possible when when make our home in Him. We’re spiritually fruitless when we we fail to stay connected.

When it comes to following Jesus, we must remain. We must last. We must endure. We can because He did. We can because He still does. Flip back a page or two and see what Paul wrote. “If we endure, we will also reign with Him…if we are faithless, He remains faithful” (2Tim 12, 13). Because Christ keeps on keepin’ on, we must keep on keepin’ on.

Going on a Field Trip

The apostle tells Tim to never let go of “what you have learned” (v14). In doing so, Paul uses a word (Gr. μανθανω/manthano) that can certainly mean sitting in a classroom. Ancient writers would use it when talking about someone attending a rabbinical school or seminary. Before we start falling asleep in class, let’s discover together what’s behind this term.

Μανθανω/manthano actually describes a learning experience outside the school. Think of it as taking an awesome field trip. It means to find out through exploration and discovery or to learn by personal and practical experience. Jesus busts the chops of the religious police when He tells them to discover God’s truth for themselves. Go and learn (Gr. μανθανω/manthano) what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice’” (Mt 9:13).

A little later, the Lord makes an amazing offer to those thrown under the religious bus. “Take My yoke upon you and learn (Gr. μανθανω/manthano) from Me” so we personal experience just how gentle and humble our Savior really is (Mt 11:29). Paul tells his Philippian friends that he’s discovered and “learned (Gr. μανθανω/manthano) in whatever situation I am to be content” (Phil 4:11). The writer of Hebrews talks about how the Son of God fully explored the depths of willing submission to His heavenly Dad and “learned (Gr. μανθανω/manthano) obedience through what He suffered” (Heb 5:8).

Tim personally explored what it means to follow Jesus. He discovered firsthand as he obeyed the Lord’s leadership. This isn’t about classroom study, written assignments, and end-of-grade testing.

This kind of educational experience is done in the real world. It requires a field trip and exploration. We discover how to follow Jesus by loving those He places in our lives. We explore our walk with Him by willingly doing what He tells us. We discover God’s goodness when we apply what we learn and keep on applyin’.

Don’t Stop Believin'

Paul encourages Tim to never give up on what he has “firmly believed” (v14). When the Bible talks about belief, it’s NOT talking about some pie-in-the-sky, believe-with-all-your-might, if-you-can-dream-it-you-can-do-it sort of mumbo jumbo. Belief is an all out trust in something. Or in this case, Someone. That Someone being Jesus.

We’re to firmly trust in Who He is. And Who He is is the one and only Son of God. The sinless, spotless Savior. The Second Person of the Trinity. Jesus is SO much more than a legendary teacher with a few tips for a better life. SO much more than spectacular miracle-working healer. He’s God. Firmly trust in Who He is.

We also firmly trust in what He has done. Why? Because Jesus did for you and me what we could never dream of doing for ourselves. Christ lived the perfectly obedient life to God’s commands that we fail to live. He died the death for our disobedience and rebellion that we deserved. He even rose to a glorious new life that we certainly don’t deserve.

Our trust in Who Jesus is and what He has done isn’t a one time thing. I need Him just as much now as the day He saved me. We don’t just believe in Him once and walk the aisle as a teenager at church camp. We keep on trusting Him. We don’t stop believin’.

Firmly believing in the Lord means trusting in the goodness of His leadership. He loves us and wants His best for us. His commands aren’t some supernatural plot to spoil our fun. Actually, they are just the opposite. Obedience to His guidance is the ultimate secret to joy. Jesus calls it an overflowing life of blessing (Jn 10:10). It’s the whole reason He came. So don’t stop believin’.

Trust Your Sources

Back in Paul’s last letter to Timothy, the apostle reminds the young pastor that he can trust the sources of his spiritual info, “knowing from whom you learned it” (v14). One of those sources is the man writing this letter. Paul has already encouraged him to “follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me” (2Tim 1:13). He should never forget what he heard the apostle teach large groups (2Tim 2:2). Tim has been the apostle’s apprentice in every sense of the word (2Tim 3:10-11).

But Timothy has more than one teacher in his life. One thing we don’t see in our English translations is that “whom” is actually plural. Tim’s other sources include his Grandma Eunice and his mom Lois. Paul may be Tim’s spiritual father (1Tim 1:2; 2Tim 1:2), but the apostle recognizes the family members who have poured into his life like Mom and Memaw (2Tim 1:5).

A big part of those life lessons was the Old Testament. Remember, the only Bible First Century followers had was the OT. His family got Tim ready for life by teaching him Scripture from a very early age (2Tim 3:16-17). And when he was bigger, the young pastor learned of “the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness” (1Tim 6:3). Let’s face it, if you can’t trust what Jesus has to say, who can you trust?

Quality journalists won’t go with a story unless they multiple credible sources. They don’t report something they hear from just one person. They don’t trust rumors. They don’t believe everything they read on the World Wide Interweb. They need multiple trusted sources in order to report the news. Tim has multiple credible sources when it comes to the Good News.

Tim could trust his sources. Can you? Who are your spiritual sources? Are you a member of a solid Bible teaching church? Are you part of a small group that digs into God’s Word? Do you have a Paul in your life? Do you do check out what you hear for yourself like the folks in Berea (Acts 17:11)? Make sure you have more than one source to confirm what you learn. Otherwise, you may go rogue with some sort of cockamamy understanding of Jesus.

So What Now?

You may be asking, “What good do these words from a 2,000-year-old letter are to me?” So very glad you asked. First of all, learning to follow Jesus is more than just loading up your brain with facts from the Bible. It’s all about getting out of the classroom and taking a field trip to grow your faith. Discover and experience what it means to love our Savior as we love the people He places in our lives. Learn it by applying it.

Don’t stop applyin’.

Remember that by firmly believing in Christ, we’re NOT trusting in ourselves. I’m going to fall short. I’m going to fail. I’m going to sin. We can take it to the bank that Jesus never comes up short. He’s forever faithful even when we stumble and fall. Trust in the only One who’s worthy of your trust.

Don’t stop believin’.

But the key to all this applyin’ and believin’ is back at the beginning of the verse. It’s all about continuing to do them. A life with Christ is a lot more than a one-and-done deal. Check how the Message spells it out. “Don’t let it faze you. Stick with what you learned and believed, sure of the integrity of your teachers” (v14 The Message). It’s abiding in Him. Making my home in Him. Keep on keepin’ on in Him.

Don’t stop believin’. Don’t stop applyin’. Keep on keepin’ on.

Spiritual Health and Wellness

“Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus” (1Tim 1:13).

With healthcare costs going into orbit, there’s a HUGE emphasis these days on staying healthy. If we don’t get sick in the first place, we don’t have to shell out the copay and the insurance company doesn’t have to pony up the rest. It’s all about health and wellness. You know the drill. Eat right. Get some exercise. (Don’t freak out. This isn’t some never-ending open enrollment meeting.)

So what in the Wide World of Sports does the frustrating world of health insurance have to do with Paul’s second letter to Timothy? So glad you asked. The apostle writes his spiritual son a prescription for a healthy lifestyle in Jesus. “Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus” (v13). Eat right by consuming a high protein diet of God’s Word. Get some exercise as you trust Jesus and serve others. It probably comes as no surprise that they are the keys to a lifestyle of spiritual health and wellness.

But Paul’s not writing to Tim from some squeaky clean doctor’s office or ultramodern research hospital. He’s in jail. On Death Row to be specific. There’s no doubt he realizes his days are numbered (2Tim 4:6-7). He writes with a couple of important purposes. First, the apostle begs the young pastor to drop everything and come see him before its too late (2Tim 4:9, 21). Second, he writes critical instructions to his protege just in case they never see each other again (2Tim 2:1-4:5). 

Paul tells Pastor Tim, “Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me” (v13). The folks at the ESV make an interesting choice in using the word “follow” here. The original language is a command which is probably better translated as hold tightly or hang on securely. Whatever this is, don’t lose it, don’t drop it, don’t fumble it. Get a firm grip and don’t let go!

The apostle instructs his young friend to grab on to “the pattern of sound words” (v13). Here’s where the picture of spiritual wellness becomes clear. First of all, Paul talks about a “pattern” and uses the Greek word hupotuposis, which is literally a description of an outline or sketch. Tim has a basic outline of what to do. He doesn’t get a specific point-by-point to-do list. Think of it as rough instructions that apply to any and all circumstances. When we’re following Jesus and walking in His Spirit, there’s a LOT of freedom in how we do it. It’s a general prescription for spiritual health.

Tim is to follow the outline of Paul’s “sound words” (v13). And by “sound,” he uses a word (Gr. hugiaino) which certainly can mean accurate and correct. But it carries the idea of healthy and thriving. You see, it’s a medical term often thrown around by the apostle’s personal physician Luke. Dr. Luke knows all about wellness. He quotes Jesus’ words to the religious do-gooders at Levi’s big party, “Those who are well (Gr. hugiaino) have no need of a physician, but those who are sick” (Lk 5:31). 

Later in the good doctor’s bio of Christ, he describes how the Lord healed a Roman army officer’s civilian staff member without even making a house call. “When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well (Gr. hugiaino)” (Lk 7:10). Since Luke is currently the only person visiting him in prison (2Tim 4:11), it makes sense that Paul is using medical terminology.

In his prequel to Tim, the apostle describes our Savior’s teaching as “the sound (Gr. hugiaino) words of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1Tim 6:3). There’s that phrase again. “Sound words.” Words of wellness from the Great Physician. The message of the Gospel is anything but a 98-pound wimp. The grace of Jesus is here to pump…you up! These are healthy words. Thriving words. Buff words. Words with six-pack abs.

The apostle reminds his protege how these are the same healthy words “that you have heard from me” (v13). Paul didn’t just think good thoughts. He said good stuff. Mentoring requires not only demonstration but explanation. Do it and then describe it. Give the “why” behind the “what.” If you’re the student in a discipling relationship, don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t know the reason why something is done. Actions do speak louder than words, but words explain your actions. Just like a good doctor with great bedside manner not only tells you to cut back on the french fries but why you should do it.

The two keys to spiritual wellness are “the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus” (v13). Faith is trusting totally in the Son of God as our cosmic Hero who came to our rescue. The Second Person of the Godhead left heaven to do for us what we couldn’t do for ourselves. He lived the life of 100% obedience to God’s commands that when we failed to do so. He died the death for our disobedience in our place. He rose to new life we certainly don’t deserve. And we trust Him to lead us by following His guidelines to an overflowing life.

But there’s a powerful connection between faith and love. Think of it like a spiritual drug interaction. Did you realize that trust in Christ produces love for people? So it’s no mistake that Jesus went out of His way to command His followers to love one another (Jn 13:34-35). And when the Lord and the human authors of Scripture talk about love, they’re not simply talking about the warm and fuzzy feelings you see greeting cards. Agape is like Boston’s song “More than a Feeling.” While there is certainly emotion involved, it’s a whole lot more. It’s love in action. Love that sacrifices. Love that does. Love that goes. 

Jesus clearly demonstrated His love for us by living and dying for us when we still a total dumpster fire of sin (Rom 5:8). Because of trusting in His ultimate act of love to us, we sacrificially love and serve the people He puts in our path. He calls me to a love-is-a-verb lifestyle. Someone once called it a “Me Third” attitude. God first. Others second. Me third. I worship God by getting my eyes off the doofus in the mirror and look around for whoever needs a hand. 

Our ultimate source of wellness is found “in Christ Jesus” (v13). Unlike the skyrocketing price of medicine, your spiritual healthcare costs are NOT going up. That bill was paid in full and paid in advance. Our Savior screamed it from the cross, “It is FINISHED!!!” (Jn 20:30, emphasis added). Believe it or not, there’s just one single word here (Gr. tetelestai). It’s no coincidence that this is the very same word someone in the first century would write on a receipt once the bill had been paid. Think of it as “PAID IN FULL.” There’s no payroll deduction or shared costs in God’s plan. He picks up the full tab for anyone and everyone who trusts in the sinless Son of God. Now THAT’S what I call universal health care!

Paul encourages Timothy to continue pursuing fitness by following this prescription through a healthy diet of the Gospel and getting plenty of exercise trusting Jesus and loving others. While there have been limitless breakthroughs in medicine since the apostle wrote his friend, these are timeless principles for holy health. So hang on tight to the words of spiritual health and wellness the apostle talks about. You know you’re trusting Jesus when you’re serving others. 

Trust Issues

“which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know Whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me” (2Tim 1:12).

Some people have serious trust issues. Some don’t trust the government. Many don’t trust the media. Others don’t trust their boss. And nobody trusts a politician. You certainly couldn’t blame the Apostle Paul if he had a boatload of trust issues. For Pete’s sake, he’s deep inside the dungeon of the Roman Death Row. He’s all alone except for his old buddy Dr. Luke (2Tim 4:11). 

As the clock ticks down on the final days of his life, Paul writes to his spiritual son Timothy (2Tim 1:2; 4:6-7). Despite all that’s happened, he makes it crystal clear that his faith in God has never been higher and never been stronger. Jesus has called him to take His message to the world, “which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed for I know Whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me” (v12). The apostle remains convinced of God’s goodness. He trusts God and continues trusting in what God can do through him.

(Disclaimer: There’s a TON of awesome stuff here in this short little verse. Paul’s suffering for Christ. The apostle’s total lack of shame for his faith. His absolute certainty that the Lord is coming back for a spectacular encore. But we’re going to set all that aside in order to drill down on what it means to believe in Jesus and what our Lord has entrusted to us. You good with that?)

The apostle’s trust in Jesus is the whole reason he’s in the joint and why he’s suffering. Despite the stigma of being a dead man walking, he’s anything but embarrassed. Paul makes it clear that “I know Whom I have believed” (v12). Not WHAT he has believed. WHOM he has believed. The man from Tarsus doesn’t trust an ideology, philosophy, or religion. He doesn’t put his faith in a political system or financial plan. He trust in a Whom. (By the way, I’ve added a capital “W” to the original ESV translation. I make it a habit to go large on any pronoun about the Person of God.)

That Whom is God. Specifically the Son of God. The Second Person of the Godhead. You may know him better as Jesus Christ. Seventeen hundred years before our Founding Fathers slapped “In God We Trust” on our money, Paul had placed his complete confidence in the who Jesus is and what He has done. While doctrine is important, it doesn’t save. While theology is critical, it doesn’t save. Only Jesus does. Only God does. That’s why Paul trusts in a Person. Jesus.

Whom or what do you trust? Leaning hard on that great career, are you? Are you living vicariously through your children? Counting heavily on your 401k? Maybe you’re going all in on the next election (you HAVE seen who’s running, haven’t you?). There’s a chance you’ve realized there must be more than running the rat race. Remember, if you win that race you’re just the fastest rat on the track. Some of us have turned to religion. But by definition, religion is simply trusting in my own performance in order to earn God’s approval. That’s never going to work for me. My board scores barely got me into community college. If we trust in anything other than Jesus, we have serious trust issues.

Paul tells Tim that with his own death on the doorstep he has no doubt in “Whom I have believed” (v12). He uses the Greek verb pisteuo, which means to trust, place your confidence, rely on, or have faith in someone or something. It comes from the same root word that’s often translated “faith” (Gr. pistos). A cool way to rephrase this might be “Whom I have faithed” (v12) or even “Whom I have totally trusted” (v12). 

There’s also a little sumpin’ sumpin’ going on in the grammar too. The apostle uses the past perfect tense. In biblical Greek, this describes a completed action with ongoing results. Paul leaned hard on Jesus a few years back. It changed his life forever. The completed action of salvation. The ongoing results of becoming more like Christ every single day. Now don’t confuse this with some sort of wonky “once saved, always saved” idea. The apostle stays in a continual attitude of dependance on our Savior. A better way of saying it is “IF saved, always saved.” Completed action. Ongoing results. And when I say “ongoing,” I mean eternally ongoing!

So what does Paul believe about Jesus that makes an eternal difference? First and foremost, the apostle knows he can’t save himself. He spent the first part of his life trying to do just that (Phil 3:4-6). Turns out what he hoped would be his golden ticket of personal performance was nothing more than a big steaming pile of worthless works (Phil 3:7-8). The former Pharisee suddenly realized that God’s Law doesn’t save you any more than an MRI can heal you. All it does it diagnose the problem (Rom 3:20). As Mike Lee says, the law is a mirror. It shows me that my face is filthy but doesn’t have the power to clean me up.

We’re invited to trust in Who Christ is and what He’s done for us. You see, Jesus left the lap of luxury in the heavenly palace and come to our rescue. He made a spectacular dumpster dive into the slime of our sin and did what we could never do for ourselves. He lived the perfectly obedient life to the law we totally fail to live (Mt 5:17). He took the punishment of what should have been our death on a cross that we should have died (2Cor 5:21; 1Pet 2:24). He walked out of the graveyard, rising to a spectacular new life we don’t deserve (Eph 2:5). We believe in what He did that we could never dream of doing for ourselves.

While every follower of Jesus wants a deep and abiding faith, the most important part is in the Object of our trust. There is nothing more trustworthy in the universe than Christ. It’s better to have a weak faith in a strong object than the other way around. You may believe with every fiber of your being that the Detroit Lions are going to win the Super Bowl. But your amazing faith won’t get them the Lombardi Trophy, no matter how strongly you trust it will happen. (Please tell me you don’t REALLY think the Lions will win it all!) Strong faith in a weak object gets you zip, zilch, zero. And if you’re trusting the Lions, believe me, you’ve got serious trust issues. 

While Paul places his trust in Jesus (and NOT the Lions!), Christ is also trusting in the apostle. “I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me” (v12). The apostle knows that it’s a stone cold, lead pipe lock that his Savior has his back until the day He returns. Specifically, Christ handpicked Paul to spread the word about how God was throwing the doors open to His kingdom to Gentiles all over the planet (Acts 9:15). Chances are you’re not Jewish. If that’s the case, you don’t hear the Gospel without the message Jesus entrusted to Paul. 

Paul trusting Jesus seems like a no-brainer. But Jesus trusting Paul? Who saw THAT coming?!? Certainly not Paul. Why would the Son of God entrust His number one enemy, known back in the day as Saul of Tarsus, with such a critical responsibility? First of all, God doesn’t think like we think and He doesn’t work the way we work (Is 55:8). He specializes in making what would appear to be foolish chances with foolish people in order to show off (1Cor 1:27-28). God places His power in cracked human pots so the world will know it’s Him making it happen and not us (2Cor 4:7). Jesus wasn’t trusting in what Paul could do for Him. He was trusting in what He could do in and through Paul! 

So if Christ can take Saul the murderer and transform him into Paul the missionary, what could He do in and through you? He may not be calling you to a worldwide assignment of Gentile evangelism or writing a huge chunk of the NT, but Jesus can use you in a big way. Shine His light and spread His salt everywhere you go. You do that by loving people where they are. At home. At work. In the neighborhood. Have your doubts that He can use you? Feel like a nobody and a nothing? Remember, God began this whole thing by creating everything from nothing (Gen 1). We may be just the person He’s looking for. He’s not trusting in what we can do for Him. He is trusting in what He can do in and through us!

Working at the Family Business

“Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are brothers; rather they must serve all the better since those who benefit their good service are believers and beloved” (1Tim 6:2).

Family business. It is the best of times, it is the worst of times. On the bright side, you’re working with people you love and trust. You have the same values. You see the world through the same lens. Then there’s the dark side. Family problems become business problems. Reunions become staff meetings and vice versa. And one relative can leverage another in order to slack off. Dysfunctional families can lead to a dysfunctional family businesses.

While there’s a growing amount of research out there, did you know that Paul wrote about the tricky employer/employee relationship in family business almost 2,000 years ago? In a note to his protege Timothy, the apostle deals with it in the context of the Greco-Roman economy of master and bondservant. “Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are brothers; rather they must serve all the better since those who benefit their good service are believers and beloved” (v2).

Paul’s point is that every follower of Jesus is now members of God’s family. The Father adopts all believers into His family. This changes things at work if our Savior rescues both you and your supervisor. The Lord transforms your workplace into a family business. Just remember, you and your boss may be brothers but that’s no excuse to not bring your best. 

The original context of the original passage is all about the dramatic change in relationship between first century masters and slaves. Around the Mediterranean Rim at the time, slavery was the norm. Some historians estimate 30-40% of Italians served as slaves around the time of Christ. On one hand, it was very different from our view of this awful institution. Greco-Roman slavery was not race based like it was in the American South. Many times it was a way to pay off outstanding debt. But on the other hand, it was still terrible and often brutal. Think you’re having a bad day at the old salt mine? Well, at least it’s not a REAL salt mine!

There was something racing through the Roman Empire that was changing the institution of slavery. The Gospel of Jesus. The tsunami of grace that began in Galilee transformed both masters and bondservants as they hear about Christ’s invitation into God’s kingdom. Your employment status or place on the org chart didn’t a difference. Everybody needs Jesus. The ground is level at the foot of the cross.

As a result, first century churches were filled with both believing masters and slaves. It’s curious that apostles like Paul didn’t call for an end to forced servitude. Maybe it’s because they knew that once God changed their hearts, it would change everything. The Gospel would eventually bring down slavery from the inside out. It’s tragic that it took so long for that to happen. It’s even more tragic that human trafficking is still a problem 2,000 years later. Another gut-wrenching example that we live in a broken world and we’re the ones who broke it. As it was before, there’s only one solution. And His name is Jesus.

Paul gives his boy Tim specific instructions for “those who have believing masters” (v2). He’s talking about the slaves and owners who follow Jesus and attend the church in Ephesus. The apostle uses one of the most important words found in the New Testament here. It’s the Greek word pistos. The term describes one who trusts. In this case, the object of trust is the resurrection Rabbi from Nazareth. 

Dr. Luke uses this very word when writing about Tim when he first meets the apostle formerly known as Saul. Timothy is “the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer (Gr. pistos)” (Acts 16:1). Just a few verses back up the page in this same letter, Paul tells the young pastor that a “believing woman (Gr. pistos) has relatives who are widows”, she is responsible for their care (1Tim 5:16). When the risen Jesus mysteriously and physically appears to a very cynical Thomas, Christ encourages him, “Do not disbelieve but believe (Gr. pistos)” (Jn 20:27).

These slaves don’t trust in their job performance to save them. These masters know their not entering God’s kingdom by winning “Boss of the Year.” Their only chance is by trusting in who Jesus is and what He has done for them. Same for you and me. Christ lived the perfectly sinless and totally obedient life that I failed to live. He died the brutal death for my sin in my place that I should have died. He rose to the spectacular new life that I don’t deserve. I place my trust in His performance on my behalf. It’s a breathtaking trade of our total failure for His absolute perfection (2Cor 5:21). Martin Luther liked to call it “The Great Exchange.” Our belief is only as strong as its object. There’s no stronger object of our faith than Jesus. 

Once an employee believes in Christ, he or she “must not be disrespectful” to the boss. Paul uses a verb here (Gr. kataphroneo) which means to treat scornfully or look down on. It literally means to “down (kata-) think” on somebody. It’s putting them down in your mind. We disrespect when we disdain, disparage, and despise someone. It’s tearing down someone else so we’ll rise in the rankings. There’s no upside when we down think.

In His most famous sermon, Jesus told us not to fool ourselves into thinking God and money can share the top spot of our affection. Eventually, “he will be devoted to the one and despise (Gr. kataphroneo) the other” (Mt 6:24; Lk 16:13). Our Savior also told His crew not to keep kids away from Him. “See that you do not despise (Gr. kataphroneo) one of these little ones” (Mt 18:10). Earlier in this note to Tim, Paul told the rookie pastor, “Let no one despise (Gr. kataphroneo) you for your youth” (1Tim 4:12). There’s no upside when we down think.

I’m sure you would never disparage your boss. Not you. I know you would never grumble or complain what they’ve asked you to do. You would never gossip or snipe. You’re not the one who would second guess your supervisor’s decision, are you? We’re talking about somebody else, right? You’re not the kind of slacker who would take advantage of the fact that your manager loves Jesus so you can cut corners on the job. Yeah, I didn’t think so either. You and your boss may be brothers but that’s no excuse to not bring your best.

If the previous verse about giving your own manager “all honor” (1Tim 6:1) didn’t get your attention, Paul goes on to talk about how working for a fellow believer changes things even more. It becomes a family business “on the ground that they are brothers” (v2). Just a couple of years before, the apostle wrote to his buddy Philemon about a runaway slave named Onesimus. It seems the Big O ran into the apostle in Rome and is coming home a changed man. Paul tells Phil that his fugitive employee is “no longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord” (Phm 16).

If God’s grace can change the slave/owner relationship back in the first century, think what it can do for you and me. Remember, Jesus changes everything. That includes work. For those who are blessed to have a believing boss, “they must serve all the better since those who benefit by their good service are believers and beloved” (v2). When you find yourself in that sweet situation, it’s time to cut it loose. It’s time to crank it up. You’re working with your brother. You’re working for your brother. At this point, it really doesn’t matter the industry or the craft. You’re working in the family business. Don’t forget. You and your boss may be brothers but that’s no excuse to not bring your best.

A Walk Talks

“They profess to know God, but they deny Him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work” (v16).

“A talk talks and a walk talks, but a walk talks louder than your talk talks.” Sounds like something you’d find in a book by Dr. Seuss, doesn’t it? This was something my old buddy Ross Turner used to say on a regular basis. His point is that we might say we’re followers of Jesus but our actions will give the real answer. It’s true. Actions do speak louder than words. Here in his letter to Titus, Paul tells his man on the island of Crete not to pay any attention to what the false teachers say. Listen to their actions. Their walk talks louder than their talk talks.

These false teachers are just one of three points on Titus’ to-do list. The Gospel of Jesus has washed across this Mediterranean island like a supernatural tsunami. Their are new believers everywhere. The Big T is to handpick leaders for all of the local churches (Titus 1:5). He’s to establish a sustainable system of discipleship for folks who place their trust in Christ (Titus 12:1-10). But a huge part of his assignment is to shut up and shut down a posse of spiritual con artists who are doing all sorts of damage to these baby believers (Titus 1:10-11). 

Paul gives Titus a description of these snake oil salesmen. As members of the “circumcision party” (Titus 1:10), they’re Jews who think Gentiles have to convert to Judaism before they can follow Jesus. They’re ripping apart families and out to make a fast buck (Titus 1:11). They’re liars, bullies, and lazy slobs (Titus 1:12). They’re distracting folks from the big story of God’s amazing rescue with all sorts of religious sounding mumbo jumbo (Titus 1:14) and stupid rules about what to eat (Titus 1:15). Just in case, Titus has any doubts about these false teachers, Paul gives him one more important description. “They profess to know God, but they deny Him by their works” (v16). Don’t listen to what they’re saying. Watch what they’re doing.

The apostle goes on to say that these false teachers are “detestable, disobedient, unfit for every good work” (v16). A closer look at the original language kinda turns my stomach. First of all, they’re disgusting, vile, and foul. They stink like a dumpster on a hot August day. Second, they’re rebels and refuse to listen to anyone in authority. They shake their fists at anybody who tries to tell them what to do. Finally, they’ve failed the test and are disqualified. They’re repeated rule-breakers. Wretched, rebellious rejects. Or as the Message reads, “They’re real creeps, disobedient good-for-nothings” (v16 The Message). Yeah, their walk talks alright. 

I have to say that this gets more than a little personal for me. For years, I told people that I believed in God and was a follower of Jesus. There was just one itty bitty problem. My actions continually threw my words under the bus. Craig Groeschel confesses to a similar sin. He says that he lived a significant portion of his life as a practical atheist. He said he was a Christian but you would never know it by his actions. I’m not sure if it was something I heard, something I read, or someone I met. But one day, God jumped all over me showed me that I was living a lie. I suddenly realized that a person lives what he actually believes. And my life shouted to the world that I didn’t believe in Jesus. My walk talked VERY loudly. It actually drowned out my talk. My heart sank and I confessed my disobedience and sin to my Savior. From that point on, I did everything I could to live a life that was an expression of my faith in Jesus. 

I’m constantly reminded of Ross’ words. Your talk talks and your walk talks. But your walk talks louder than your talk talks.