Let your words be true

"And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching." Titus 2:7 NLT

"Alright you guys, it's time to get running!" These were the words I spoke to the group of elementary children I had the blessing of coaching as part of an after-school program through the local health department where I work. Previous to that though, we had discussed the benefits of running and how anyone with enough determination and discipline could complete a marathon or even an ultra marathon. And to drive that point home, I shared with them some of the long races I, myself, had been blessed to complete. It's no wonder then that midway through the run, one of these little ones came up to me and said, "Hey coach. Why don't you run a few laps with us?" Knowing she was testing me to see if what I said was true, I smiled and took off running with her.

And you know, while the words of our testimony can be powerful, they will have very little impact on the world if the way we live our lives doesn't reflect them. Paul certainly understood this and so advised young Timothy to follow Jesus so closely that his life would be "an example" to others - letting everything he did "reflect the integrity and seriousness of" his teaching. In other words, if Timothy wanted "them" to listen to and believe what he said, he would have to earn the right to be heard by his actions. 

So in a world where many people claim to know Jesus with their lips but deny Him by their lifestyle, may we be "an example" of what it truly means to love, honor and follow Jesus. May our actions and speech "reflect" Jesus' love to others that they might be drawn to the Cross because of it. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that people are always watching to see if we live out the things we say. Knowing that our lifestyle has the power to lead people to or away from you then, help us to be people of integrity and honor. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Life song - Casting Crowns

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gnf1xczuOrA