Walk Your Talk
By Lisa U Maki
I am one person who takes people's words seriously, simply because I take my own words seriously. I won't say anything I won't be able to do or something I won't do. Once I've released a statement, I am obligated to fulfill it. It is for this reason why I place a very high value on people's consistency between their words and actions. I truly believe that this is a character that sets a person apart and what makes her qualified to be a leader.
It is so easy to say, "I am going on a diet" or "I will start exercising". The question is... will you really do it? And if you do, will you be able to sustain it? I've heard people make the same resolutions every year and never even make it to the starting point. This is a clear indicator of lack of commitment, lack of self-control, and lack of discipline. These are definitely not godly behaviors or character traits and should not even be found amongst those who profess to be followers of Jesus.
What makes it difficult to walk the talk? Why can't people stick to what they said they will do? Why can't people sustain what they have started to do? I believe the main issue here is the lack of seriousness about what needs to be done. There may be a strong desire to do something but not the utter seriousness to make things happen. A person who knows that she is unhealthy desires to be healthy, and so she says that she is going on a strict diet and exercise. The point from that desire to actually doing it is the action part. The point from the action to sustaining it is the commitment part. Both the action and the commitment require complete seriousness.
Another issue here is the lack of understanding of the greater whole. When you say something to someone and don't follow it up with action, you are going to hurt that person and may eventually damage her. If you keep promising to a child, for instance, that you are going to be home with him every weekend so you can spend time together, but you continue to work even during weekends, that child will not only get hurt but will also lose his respect for you. He will also learn that there is no such thing as commitment and that it is okay to lie.
I have a great accountability to my readers when I write, which is why I can't write anything I haven't experienced for myself or something I will not be able to do. The reason why I am able to continue what I said I will do is because I know that my readers look up to me for leadership and as an example that they can learn from and pattern their lives after, as I pattern my life after Jesus. This is the greater whole that I am talking about.
I mentioned earlier that not being able to walk your talk is an indicator of lack of commitment, lack of self-control, and lack of discipline. It all starts with a commitment, not so much to yourself but to God. If you truly love God then you will have fear of Him, and if you have this fear, then you will fulfill what you have committed to. To sustain what you have committed to requires self-control and discipline. You have to stick to your commitment, no matter what.
One advice I can give you is: Don't say anything you can't fulfill. This requires a lot of self-control on your part. It is so easy to just say something when we are so excited or even when we are angry. You can get excited over some project that someone is doing and you say: "I want to be a part of that", without even thinking and praying about it; or someone may challenge you that you are not doing much in your ministry and in your anger and defense you say: "I will prove to you that I am not who you say I am. I am going to hold a big conference middle of this year". This brings me to my next advice which is: Don't say anything hastily or out of an emotional high.
Another advice I can give you is: Set realistic goals. Don't say you will exercise three times a week if you haven't even started exercising once a week. Focus on your goal and do it. Keep doing it and keep adding to it. Your "once a week" can become "twice a week" and eventually "three times a week".
Lastly, remember that your words are powerful. Proverbs 18:21 says that death and life are in the power of the tongue. So never say anything that you won't be able to fulfill. And if you say something, then you better make sure that you do it.
Lisa Maki is the founder of God'z Gurlz, a Bible-based online magazine for women whose mission is to is to provide a place where women can learn to manage their emotions, experience healing, receive love and acceptance, be free to be who God made them to be, and be the best they can be in their homes, schools, professions, relationships, and calling, through sharing of insights and experiences, counseling, prayer, and devotionals, thereby learning from and supporting each other. For more of Lisa's articles, visit http://godzgurlz.com/ Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_U_Maki Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6832561