Talk the Talk and Walk the Walk (Gal. 4:24-25)

Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.
(Galatians 5:24-25, NASB)

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Talk the talk AND walk the walk.” As followers of Christ, this should be how we choose to live.

We should know God’s word well so we can tell people about Him. We should have scripture memorized so we can share the hope that comes in knowing God (1 Peter 3:15). We should hide God’s word in our hearts to combat the lies of the enemy, just as Jesus Himself did. (See Matt. 4:1-11.)

But knowing God’s word isn’t enough. We can speak about God all we want—talk the talk—but if we don’t walk the walk, no one is going to listen to us. In fact, we’ll repel them.

How often has the cause of Christ suffered because of a professed Christian who publicly falls? The pastor who embezzles. The priest who abuses. The church leader who has an affair.

Believe me, the world is watching us. Unbelievers are looking at us to see if we live as we speak.

I think a lot of unbelievers are seeking the peace and hope that comes from knowing Christ. I really do. And they want to see a difference in us. They want to see Christ in us.

The only way they’ll do so is if we walk according to God’s word and His will.

They need to hear us share God’s word, certainly. But they also need to see us being gentle and kind, joyful and patient, loving and peaceful.

They need to see us talking the talk AND walking the walk.

Then they’ll be attracted to the hope in us.