But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast of your relation to God and know his will and determine what is best because you are instructed in the law, and if you are sure that you are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth, you, then, that teach others, will you not teach yourself? While you preach about stealing, do you steal? You that forbid adultery, do you commit adultery? You that abhor idols, do you rob temples? You that boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? For, as it is written, "The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you."

Romans 2:17-24

Some of us "talk the talk," but do not "walk the walk." We have to make sure our behavior does not contradict our professed beliefs. At other times we are admonished to be sure that life and lip agree. If our conduct does not harmonize with our confession of faith that discrepancy will nullify the testimony of the gospel which we proclaim.

Certainly we should explain the gospel message as clearly as possible. Yet the clearest explanation is not going to win hearts for our Lord unless His love is embodied in our lives.

Pray like Paul did that we may live out our saving faith

before the watching world.

Our Daily Bread – November 10, 2004