True or false? “You can’t just talk the talk—you’ve got to walk the walk.”
Don’t answer just yet.
True or false? “Don’t judge people by what they say—judge them by what they do.”
Regarding #1: Yes, but, someone has to be able to “talk the talk” or people won’t know why they should “walk the walk.”
Regarding#2: Yes, but not always. What if what’s said is true, life changing, even life saving? Wouldn’t you want to hear that truth, even from someone who wasn’t living it well? Suppose I say, “Daily exercise is essential for good health!” but then live as a couch potato? What I say may be less credible, but that doesn’t make the life changing, lifesaving words less true.
In this present series on Christian community (see Part One, Part Two, Part Three), we’ve identified the nature of and need for Christian fellowship, looking at some deficiencies that need to be overcome.
Let’s turn now to the how of living the seven Spiritual Works of Mercy. Hear Saint Peter: “Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you.” (1 Peter 3:15)
I take that as my measure because, while I admit that not everyone needs to be a trained theologian or a seasoned apologist, every Christian who is past childhood must be able to offer some testimony on behalf of Christ and offer, at a minimum, some form of spiritual first aid.
Let’s have a quick look at the Spiritual Works of Mercy and identify “a basic standard of care.”
I want to be part of a community committed to these seven—I bet you do too. It can’t happen unless we do it together. Let’s get started.
When I write next, I will speak of the Corporal Works of Mercy. Until then, let’s keep each other in prayer.
