Word to the Wise
Friday, December 29, 2006 - Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas
[1 John 2:3-11 and Luke 2:22-35]The way we may be sure that we know Jesus is to keep his commandments. Whoever says, "I know him," but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps his word, the love ot God is truly perfected in him. This is the way we may know that we are in union with him: whoever claims to abide in him ought to walk just as he walked.
Recently there has been a popular expression to the effect (I may not have the words exactly!): He/she doesn't just talk the talk; they walk the walk! Some of this sentiment is reflected in the words from the First Letter of John in the scripture for today. It is not enough simply to SAY that we "know" Jesus. We have to walk in his way. This doesn't mean literal imitation. We do not live in the same times. It means each of us must use his or her own faith and talents in a way that is recognizably Christian. One may be a very good person and have no faith at all. A Christian walks in Jesus' way because he or she believes in Jesus and his mission and wishes to share that faith and further that mission. I am often in awe at the accomplishments of many of my friends who have great faith. Some of them want to dedicate their lives to teaching and living the message of non-violence that is so much a part of Jesus' preaching. They don't just verbally claim to know Jesus. They are attempting to make Jesus' way a reality. They may go to work for a national or international relief effort. My own efforts from keyboard and pulpit sometimes seem a little feeble but it's what I know how to do. Think about your own gifts and find out how you can "walk the walk" with them. AMEN
config
view
logs
3840.0 KB
75 ms
4
