A couple of years ago, my wife Susan and I were at the gas station trying to beat another one of the all too frequent price hikes. The place was packed and we were waiting for one of the pumps. As our pump cleared, a huge truck pulled right in front of us and took our spot. I sat for a minute and then went to another pump to wait again for gas. Susan turned to me and told me she could not believe I let that incident slide. Neither could I.
Not too many years ago, something like that would have resulted in a major “smack down”. I would have gone over and really gotten in that man’s face. I would have taught him a lesson and felt good about doing so. However, I can’t do that anymore. I have been acquiring a new code of conduct that was given to all of us by the Most High. This code of conduct tells me that I not only need to “talk the talk”, but also “walk the walk”.
One of the commands I was stationed at while in the Navy had a full length mirror by the main entrance. The purpose of the mirror was to see yourself and make sure you were “squared away” prior to departing. Over the mirror was a plaque that read “You are not in the Navy, you are the Navy”. When you were wearing the uniform of the United States Navy, both you and your conduct were noticed by others.
The same can be said once we become followers of Christ. We and our conduct are always being observed. If we leave the worship center and fail to “walk the walk”, the world notices. We are no different. However, when our words and deeds demonstrate to others that we are the church of Jesus Christ, we truly become the salt and the light.
Not too many years ago, something like that would have resulted in a major “smack down”. I would have gone over and really gotten in that man’s face. I would have taught him a lesson and felt good about doing so. However, I can’t do that anymore. I have been acquiring a new code of conduct that was given to all of us by the Most High. This code of conduct tells me that I not only need to “talk the talk”, but also “walk the walk”.
One of the commands I was stationed at while in the Navy had a full length mirror by the main entrance. The purpose of the mirror was to see yourself and make sure you were “squared away” prior to departing. Over the mirror was a plaque that read “You are not in the Navy, you are the Navy”. When you were wearing the uniform of the United States Navy, both you and your conduct were noticed by others.
The same can be said once we become followers of Christ. We and our conduct are always being observed. If we leave the worship center and fail to “walk the walk”, the world notices. We are no different. However, when our words and deeds demonstrate to others that we are the church of Jesus Christ, we truly become the salt and the light.
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