1 Corinthians: A 35-Day Reading PlanSample

Do You Do What You Say You Believe?

Growing up, it was common to hear kids say, “If you are going to talk the talk, you better be able to walk the walk.”

On the playground, this was a verbal jab between boys who probably watched their fair share of World Championship Wrestling. But in 1 Corinthians 4:20, Paul applies this concept to the Christian faith. He writes, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.”

It is one thing to know who Jesus is and what He teaches in the Bible, but we must not stop there. The kingdom of God is not a matter of talking about Jesus, but living like Jesus.

The kingdom of God is not a matter of talking about Jesus, but living like Jesus.

When we live like Jesus did — serving, teaching, blessing, and encouraging others — we experience the power of the Holy Spirit working through us. This power changes us, but it also changes everyone we meet.

To walk the walk with Christ is to be a difference maker.

When we serve others instead of ourselves, people notice the difference. When we buy someone’s meal or leave a big tip, they want to know why we’re so generous. When we respond to others’ mistakes with grace, it creates opportunities to show how knowing Jesus changes people. When we live out what we say we believe, it attracts attention and changes communities.

Reflect:

• What’s one way you can serve someone else today?
• Is there anything you need to start doing or stop doing to live what you say you believe?