In this passage the apostle reminds the church that the standard of living for Christians is high indeed. Our lives are to be guided by the same attitudes which caused Jesus to live (and die) the way He did! In a haughty and high-minded world, we are to be humble. In a world marked by harshness and gruffness we are called to gentleness in our dealings with others. In a world that is short on patience we are to be longsuffering. And in a world where people are put out with and hate others at the drop of a hat, Christians are to bear and put up with each other's failings and imperfections in love. Study the life of Jesus and you will see that He was the supreme example of all of this. From the cradle to the cross, the Son of God never failed in His talk or His walk.

How are you in "walking according to your talk?" Do you claim to be a Christian but are seen in places that Christians should not be seen? Do you claim to be a Christian but are heard using language that a Christian should not use? Do you claim to be a Christian but are involved in activities in which a Christian should not be involved? Do you claim to be a Christian, etc., etc., etc…?

When we profess our belief in God, to others, they have a funny way of deciding for themselves whether or they will or will not respect us for our beliefs. By the same respects, they will have their own way of deciding whether or not they think our beliefs are worth following. Let’s remember

that we are to "let our lights so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16) IF YOU TALK THE TALK, MAKE SURE YOU WALK THE WALK!