Many people talk a good game but when it comes to walking the walk it is a very different story. During the past few weeks the question of what people stand for has come front and center. The questions came up in a business context however they apply to virtually every aspect of living.
First, what are your true values and priorities? Is it the words one uses or the conclusion that anyone reaches if they stop, watch, and observe?
Second, what do you stand for? Again, is it the metaphors and images that comes from one’s mouth or the crisp picture painted by the choices made during the course of every day?
Third, is there any consistency from moment to moment, conflict to joy, or relaxation to pressure? Are we creating a random scatter diagram by the choices made in each moment? Is there a logic and pattern to our actions? Are the conclusions drawn by others one that we would hope for?
The harsh fact is that “a lying witness is unconvincing; a person who speaks truth is respected.” (Proverbs 21.28) One dreams of painting simplistic pictures of trust and honesty however reality is often very messy. The very things that we long for are in the opposite direction of where our feet take us. The objects of our dreams are at war with the objects of our attention. The passion we teach is never able to mingle for long with the passion evidenced by our hearts.
It would be one thing if there were no witnesses to our lives. Even if we understood just how many people are watching I doubt it would help us honestly face and deal with the “real” me. However there is a solution.
Always hold on the fact that we will not be judged by the witnesses to our life.
Focus on the fact that it is the God’s will and his gift that we should be recreated.
Hold on, press on, and live on faith in whom and what God is and has done.
Walk and witness.
