“And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.” I Corinthians 11:1 New Living Translation

Oh the power of a life whose words and deeds are congruent [consistent, matching, harmonious] with each other!

Our culture has become disinterested in a gospel of convenience and compromise.

–       They’re tired of being told about something they seldom see.

–       They’re weary of hearing about a lifestyle that is mostly talked about, not necessarily lived.

–       They’re turned off by being challenged to live in a manor that those preaching to them are not doing themselves.

–       They rightfully call much of our strutting hypocritical.

–       They’re having a hard time taking us or our message seriously.

There’s a huge difference between ‘talking the talk’ and ‘walking the walk.’ The first brings shrugs of indifference and often sneers of contempt. The second works hand in hand with the Holy Spirit to prompt conviction and repentance.

It makes no sense to tout a standard which we ourselves don’t follow.

It may sound preachy, but it needs to be said. We who call Him “Lord” must be faithful to make him Lord by taking his Gospel seriously. Jesus Himself made the distinction quite clear:  “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.” Matthew 7:21 New Living Translation

Using “Jesus” as the correct password isn’t what moves Christianity forward, it’s using Jesus Himself as the model of how we live our lives. It’s in allowing Him more clout in our lives than Hollywood gets. It’s being far more concerned about what He thinks of our life style than the pollsters or our peers. It has everything to do with allowing Him more influence over the way we live than a culture that doesn’t care what He thinks!

This week make living an authentic Christian life a priority. There are many waiting to see the words of our testimony, our songs and our televised evangelism line up with the way we are following Christ.

And find great joy in living a life congruent with your testimony!