As women, it should startle us to realize our power of influence. Even though we are more than acquainted with the call to “walk our talk” and not be an excuse for bad behavior in our little ones (and big ones!), we should sense the intense obligation.
My very observant Grand-niece, Olivia, enjoying Fall Harvest…
We never know who is watching! Pressures to “walk our talk” are those continuing opportunities for others to observe our true character. (II Corinthians 4: 17) A hypocrite willfully lives in conflict with his or her mind, will and emotions. He or she is motivated by a desire for the appreciation of men rather than the approval of God. (Proverbs 27: 21) It is an incredible responsibility when you stop to think about it!
Can you pass the test for a “Walk your Talk” mom?
1. Do you get in the Word of God daily?
2. Do you keep a record of the things God brings to your attention, as He teaches you, so you are continually fresh and ready to share with others?
3. Do you understand how to maintain a consistent “walk in the Spirit”?
4. Are you presently witnessing to someone who is in need of our Savior?
5. Are you mentoring at least one person at this time?
6. Do you know you are born of God…no doubts?
How did you do?
Our Western culture is consumed with an attitude of “I deserve this”, I am entitled to this!” “Gimme, gimme!”. The quality of spiritual life we are going to address in this blog is rarely experienced because we are so busy demanding personal rights. We have learned to call “our rights” by acceptable, “politically correct” terms.
But rights, nonetheless, are the separators of us from authentic spiritual reality.
Here are some acceptable signs (oops, sins!) that tell us our “best” has been compromised and our “walk” may need some attention:
1. “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1Thess. 5: 18
Do you give thanks in everything? Or are you selective in the area of gratefulness…maybe you’re a complainer or worrier…?
· 2. “Do not think more highly of yourself than you ought to think.” Rom. 12: 3
Are you proud of YOUR accomplishments, YOUR talents, and YOUR family?
Do you fail to see others as better than yourself, more important than yourself, in your relationships in the body of Christ? Is your goal the success of others?
· 3. “Let all bitterness, and wrath and anger and clamor and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.” Eph. 4: 31
Do you find fault, carry a grudge, anger easily, hold people to your expectations and speak unkindly about people when they are not present?
Do you enjoy listening to gossip? Do you pass it on?
4. “Lie not one to another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his deeds.” Col. 3: 9
Do you ever lie? Exaggerate? Do you tell things the way you want them rather than the way they are?
5. “Even so, you outwardly appear righteous to men, but within, you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.” Matt. 23: 28
Do you smile self-righteously during the sermon on Sunday but live in your bad attitudes all week? Are you the same person in your home, as the one who is trying to impress people outside your home?
We are fooling no one! We are a book… known and read by all men …
especially, children… they read our spirit!
How authentic are you?
What is your demonstration of truth?
What is your fruit?
Will your young knight or princess say you
are an unpretentious, genuine mom
that “walks her talk”?
~Jackie Johnson - I am a former tribal missionary to the Kuna Indians on the Colombian border in Central America. Fluent in several languages, my husband and I currently pastor a Spanish-speaking church in Southern California. My passion is discipling and equipping dedicated young women for life, marriage, motherhood, and beyond. I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of three Princesses and four young Knights.
