Saturday, June 13, 1998
Saturday, June 13, 1998
This is the victory that conquers the world, our faith.
What is the test of sincere faith? Do we walk the talk? Do we practice what we
preach? Do we expect others to measure up to a standard that we do not keep
ourselves? Is our faith centered in success or service? The most important aspect of
this test of sincerity is not how others measure up, but how we measure up in our
relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Many of you remember the great Oliver Holmes character. Well, once he couldn't
find his ticket when he got on a train. As he rummaged through his pockets and
bags, Holmes was recognized by the conductor who said, "Don't worry, Justice
Homes, you don't need your ticket right now. Just send it to us later when you find
it."
Irritated, Holmes replied, "Sir, the problem is not, 'Where is my ticket?" The
problem is, "Where am I going?" A good question for each of us to ask ourselves,
"Where am I going?" Are we going to be like the leaders of Jesus' day or are we
going to be sincere in our faith and do our best to walk the talk?
Prayer: God of all, forgive me when I fail to walk the talk, and help to walk in the steps
of Jesus as I witness your love. Amen.
Ronald Newhouse, Texas, USA
(1 John 5:4
NRSV)