Delano Herald Journal

Serving the communities of Delano, Loretto, Montrose, MN, and the surrounding area

Pastors’ Column – 02/02/09



“Your actions are speaking so loudly, I can’t hear a word you’re saying.” You may have heard this saying, or another one similar to it.

This particular adage is especially important today. People, believers and non-believers alike, are looking for an authenticity among those who profess Christianity.

The Apostle Paul told the young pastor Timothy, “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12). Paul’s ultimate desire for Timothy is that he would be an encouragement to others in all these important areas of life.

Not only what Timothy said was going to serve as an example, but also how he lived his life. Others were going to be observing him to see if he was serious about his commitment to the Savior.

John, the beloved, echoes the same idea in his writing: “But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.” (1 John 3:17-18).

What we do in our lives should be a confirmation of what we say we believe. The integrity of our relationship with Christ hinges on how we show Him to those around us. If our lives become a reflection of the change the Lord has made in our lives, we will be moved to act out the passion of our hearts.

Sometimes, we may be tempted to ignore God’s tug at our heart, and we ultimately lose the blessing of being a vessel for the Lord.

Jesus said, in the Sermon on the Mount, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16).

We live in a world that challenges the integrity of our walk with the Savior. Be a vessel for the Lord, and not a vault that hides away His love for those around you.

“Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8b)

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