I recently attended a seminar where an Indigenous Elder spoke about the 7 grandfather teachings (in the interest of not culturally appropriating or dishonoring ancestral teachings, I will not go into great details). One of the tenets of the teaching really resonated with me; the Elder talked about the importance of honesty- ensuring that your words match your feet. Many of us refer to this concept as “walking the talk”.

I started this blog in 2018 with my first post titled ‘the intentionality of gracious conversations‘. I remember thinking that I wanted to create an opportunity to model the way in being a Christ-follower. I believed then, as I do now, how important it was for me to be intentional in living my faith and to walk the talk. In writing this blog where I share my feelings, thoughts and experiences as I weigh them against the word of God, I surrounded myself with “a great cloud of witnesses” – all of you who follow my posts- before whom I run my earthly race.

In today’s readings Paul’s instructions to Timothy are one of an Elder to a young man:

Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

1 Timothy 4:16 NIV

Paul was saying, “Walk the talk, son! Practice what you preach! Do not just be a sign post that points others to heaven- be a doer of the word! Make sure your feet matches your words!” This encouragement rings true today as it did many years ago. We need to be intentional in living for God and to stand firm in the truth of God’s word, particularly in this day and age where the dominant discourse focuses on a plurality of truth. One way to do this is to watch your life and doctrine closely and to persevere in so doing!

Yours Truly