Live So They'll Listen!

The statement has been made that the road to hell is PAVED with many good intentions. As we live our lives are we constantly mindful of PAVING THE WAY for others to be drawn toward God?

A few weeks ago while on one of my long walks, I came up behind a woman who turned and said, “Oh, hi.” She then asked if I shouldn’t be in another part of town where she has seen me walk on a regular basis. Telling her I had already been there, she replied, “Well of course you have.” As I paused my pace she asked if I was going to be in this year’s annual “Rhody Run”, a question I am frequently asked this time of year. I mentioned being a minister and since the “Rhody Run” registration and beginning are during our assembly time on Sunday mornings it didn’t work with my schedule. This led to her next question regarding where I preach. After letting her know, she then made a statement that certainly caught my attention. She remarked, “Your sermons might be worth listening to if they’re like the way you live and walk.”

Is that not a profound observation? Is that not something important to be mindful of as we live our daily lives? Could the need for a God glorifying life consistency have been stated any better than in this woman’s words? We are often seen before we are given the opportunity to be heard. Do our actions serve as a road block or do they instead PAVE THE WAY for being listened to?

As Israel was being reminded of God’s commands in preparation for their eventual crossing over into the promised land, they were encouraged regarding the importance of the manner in which they lived. In Moses’ exhortation toward faithfulness to God’s commands he stated…

“Keep them and do them, for that will be your WISDOM and your UNDERSTANDING IN THE SIGHT OF THE PEOPLES, who, WHEN THEY HEAR ALL THESE STATUTES, will say, ‘SURELY THIS GREAT NATION IS A WISE AND UNDERSTANDING PEOPLE.’” ( Deuteronomy 4:6 ESV)

We need to live with an aim to glorify God and reveal through our daily actions the wisdom and understanding for life based upon God’s Will. If it is not being lived in our life, then why should anyone bother listening to us?

Paul exhorted…
“And WHATEVER YOU DO, in WORD OR DEED, DO EVERYTHING IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” ( Colossians 3:17 ESV)

It is important to consider the impact it can have when people see the manner of our life walk and so become interested in what we have to say. Let us constantly aim for a consistency between our actions and words. If we want the message of Christ to be believable, our life actions must be believable as well. May our daily living help PAVE THE WAY that is best worth traveling.

Have a great day BEING A BELIEVABLE BELIEVER!
Carl

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