Talking or Walking?

Talking or Walking?

God is especially incensed against those who

live by lust, addicted to a filthy existence.  They despise

interference from true authority, preferring to indulge in

self-rule.  Insolent egotists, they don't hesitate to speak evil

against the most splendid of creatures.  Even angels, their

superiors in every way, wouldn't think of throwing their weight

around like that, trying to slander others before God.

2 Peter 2:10-11

At first blush, one wonders who in the world was part of the congregation that Peter was writing to.  True to his nature, he minced no words in describing those who talk the talk without walking the walk.  He nailed those who play a good game as long as it is their own, who think only of themselves, and are willing to throw everyone else under the bus.  I've worked for a lot of churches, and there is always someone in every congregation who believes themselves to be a law unto themselves.  The havoc such a person can wreak in a congregation is enormous.

Thinking about the polar opposite of the person described in this passage brought to mind a wonderful woman who was a member of my choir for years. Margie was a tiny little lady who loved the Lord passionately, and in turn, loved her family, her friends, and her church.  Kind, quiet, loving - Margie would have given you the shirt off her back, literally and figuratively.  She absolutely oozed love and caring.  I never heard her say a bad thing about anyone, never heard her complain, never saw her display either ego or unkindness.  She was the type of friend a friend would want to have.  She walked the walk without having to broadcast the talk - following in the footsteps of her Savior.

*

Lord of all nations, grant me grace

To love all people, every race.

And in each person may I see

My kindred loved, redeemed by Thee.

Break down the wall that would divide

Thy children, Lord, on every side.

My neighbor’s good let me pursue.

Let Christian love bind warm and true.

Sing to the tune of

O Master Let Me Walk with Thee (UMH430)