Walking The Talk
I used to be so good at it-talking about the walk that is-not until today… oh, sorry. Just so I don’t loose you, I’ll explain a little. You know how big we can get on issues concerning Christianity? How even bigger we get about it when on social media? How we love to debate and give opinions about scripture just so it’s about us and how much of Bible students we are. Add to that how English has not helped our Christianity with all the big big grammer we speak or write and that smugness we tend to feel when we put a person ‘in their place’ about certain Bible topics being discussed (I guess I’ve painted enough of a picture). Well, that’s what I’m talking about. That’s what I mean-us Christians talking about the walk that is, the lives we have been called to live. Anyways,I used to be so big on all of that until Matthew 5:38-48 reset my buttons. Here was Jesus teaching on a mount. He had already said alot when this comes: “…I tell you not to resist an evil person…” When I got there, I was like “Hian”. He continues: “But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him haveyour cloak also… give to him who asks you and from him who wants to borrow from you, do not turn away…” After reading this, I paused for a while and then I heard myself asking: “Lord, have you met the people in this generation? its like almost everyone you meet even people who are supposed to be family are constantly seeking out ways to use you. Most people are wise in their own eyes ai me ma I have to be sharp. I cannot be carrying last.” The only answer I get to all this my story is verses 44 and 45: “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who SPITEFULLY USE you and persecute you and persecute you. That you may be sons of your Father in heaven…” Jesus hit the last nail perfectly by adding: “you shall be perfect just as your father in heaven is perfect.” Gbam!!! No more words needed. Just a realisation that for a long time now, I have not been acting like my Father’s daughter. I have only been talking the walk without walking the talk. How many times in my arrogance have I said stuff like “this person thinks he/she is wise. I’ll show them who’s wiser…” Infact just some days ago, someone wanted borrowing something from me and because I told myself I did not want a pattern to start, I shamelessly said no. So contrary to the teachings of mynLord and Saviour I have been. I realise now that walking the talk is no easy task. We have been called to lead lives that will make most ‘wise’ people call us fools. But then, with further reading, I am content with Jesus’ words Matthew 7:14 where He says: “…narrow is the gate which leads to life, and there are few which find it.” He has not called us to a life where we have our own way but to one where he not only has His way but His say also. I understand even better that the walk isn’t going to be easy but it’ll definitely be worth it each step of the way.
Zara Obaa