Walking the Walk

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” I Corinthians 15:58 NKJV 

You’ve heard the expression that someone “talks the talk but they don’t walk the walk.” In other words, what they say does not match what they do. There is an inconsistency in their life. How they live does not match what they profess. It happens in a lot of areas of life but is especially sad when it is someone who says they are a Christian.

The Bible uses the word steadfast instead of consistent, but both speak of stability, constancy, and reliability. A steadfast person demonstrates endurance amid hardship and persecution. We see numerous examples of this in Scripture.

• Stephen, unwavering in his faith, “gazed steadily into heaven” as he was killed.
• Paul remained steadfast through many trials, hardships, and imprisonments.
• John was persecuted and exiled to the rocky, barren isle of Patmos but endured.
• The early church suffered persecution, imprisonment, and martyrdom but remained constant in their faith.

Colossians 1:23 (NKJV) speaks of being “grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel of which you heard.” Such a person is established, determined, settled. Trials and hardships do not move them or knock them off course. They are solid in their faith.

Those named above, as well as numerous others, not only “talked the talk,” they also “walked the walk.” The Church is alive and well today because these early believers were consistent in their relationship with God and in their determination to hold fast to the faith and pass it on.

You may say, “But I’m not Paul or Stephen or John. I’m just an ordinary person trying to balance a busy and stressful life. I try to live my faith the best I can, but I’m not a Super Christian. I struggle. I’m just me.” I suppose we could make a long list of steps on becoming this super Christian, but what really comes to mind is just two simple words. Stay connected. That’s what those first century believers did. They learned to abide, to stay connected to the True Vine even in the harshest of circumstances. Our strength to endure comes from Him.

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5, NKJV)

One of the greatest witnessing tools we possess is to live a consistent, steadfast, grounded Christian life. When we “walk the walk” day after day, holding steady even in the stormiest of seasons, others will take note. If our Monday through Saturday actions do not match our Sunday profession, they will also take note.

As we read God’s Word, all the signs indicate that we are living in the last days. It is vital for others to realize it is possible to live a godly, consistent life in an ungodly world. Your steadfast walk with God will make a difference and be the witness they need.

“Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness.” (II Peter 3:11, NKJV) 

Lord, help me to stay firmly attached to the vine and steadfast in my devotion to You. Let my life reflect Your character and Your values in a world that’s gone awry. You are the source of my strength and the One Who keeps me on course.