Friday, July 6, 2018

When Words and Actions Meet

Friday, July ,6 2018
Look at the obvious facts.  Those who say they belong to Christ must recognize that we belong to Christ as much as they do.  I may seem to be boasting too much about the authority given to us by the Lord.  But our authority builds you up; it doesn’t tear you down.  So I will not be ashamed of using my authority.  I’m not trying to frighten you by my letters.  For some say, “Paul’s letters are demanding and forceful, but in person he is weak, and his speeches are worthless!”  Those people should realize that our actions when we arrive in person will be as forceful as what we say in our letters from far away.  
2 Corinthians 10:7-11(NLT)
As you examine the life and ministry of the apostle Paul you will find his care for the church, and its strength/health, were foremost.  He was always consumed with delivering the truth of the Gospel in such a way as to build-up the body of Christ.
The “forcefulness” of Paul’s words always intersected with his actions.  This is a lesson ethicists learn early on, when studying their craft; it’s called congruence.  Two congruent lines are in complete agreement with each other…when one goes up, the other can be counted upon to follow the pattern.  Simply put, to be congruent as a person is to have your words and deeds match up.  You don’t say one thing, and then do whatever you please; you pay attention to standing by that which you have spoken. 
The Scriptures are congruent:
·      66 “books” are but one book
·      More than 30 authors, yet only one author
·      Many subjects, yet all point to one reality
·      Seeming “conflicts” are but different perspectives of the truth communicated.
Paul committed his life to Christ as an apostle, one sent with a message of truth.  His message was unwavering and without shadows; he was congruent for Christ.
In our day truth has become a shifting, utilitarian, if not totally absent or distorted commodity.  Leaders of all kinds – political, religious, industrial, educational, and those who just plain have a personal agenda, spin, twist, shape, reinvent, (and frankly, prevaricate), in so many ways it is impossible to untangle an issue these days to get to the bottom of anything.
If you’re a news junkie (ok, I admit it), you probably understand that journalism has morphed since the days of Walter Cronkite, from reporting to creating.  When you turn on one network or cable news channel, you’re going to hear that organization’s version of the truth.  Another channel’s take will be completely different, because they want the reaction to favor their agenda. 
And leaks from a source to those media-outlets – well, let’s just say they are timed, well-crafted, and purposeful to serve the leakER’s, agenda.  And if you’re looking for truth in whatever story follows…good luck! 
As for this news junkie, I’m going to remember this cartoon[2] says it all about how I need to remember that truth “cometh not” from CNN or FOX; truth can only be found in the One who is also the Way and the Life.
For You Today
If you’ve given your heart to Christ, you’ve given your life to truth.  Start with truth; stay with truth; be ready to die for truth if the only other choice is a lie.
You chew on that as you hit the Rocky Road; have a blessed day. 

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[1] Title Image:  Courtesy of Pixabay.com
[2] Cartoon posted on Facebook by Clergy Coaching Network, July 4, 2018, source unknown

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