TWO PROFESSIONS

 

TWO PROFESSIONS

Matt. 7:21-23

It has often been said that talk is cheap and it is. Words flow freely from our lips without a lot of forethought. We often speak what comes to our minds on the spur of the moment without even realizing what we are actually saying. Our words often come back to haunt us. We often wish we had not said what we said. We hurt others and ourselves over words. The only way to minimize the damage we cause is by letting Jesus be Lord of our lives. When Jesus is Lord, we are far more apt to say things that are, helpful, and kind. When we take control, we put experience the “put foot in mouth” disease.

There are two very clear spiritual truths that govern our speech. We cannot talk our way into heaven, and we can’t talk our way out of hell. There are many who talk a good talk but don’t live up to what they say. Professing faith is Christ and being in Christ are two different things. Mouthing words of salvation does not make one a child of God. Words that are not backed up by living are meaningless. A true child of God will change. He will proceed to becoming like Christ. Jesus will become his Lord.

If Jesus is your Lord, you will strive to live for Him and do His will for your life. God’s will for you is simple, to be holy even as He is holy. Jesus cannot be your Lord without you saying no to sin. You will strive to please God, not yourself. You will not let sin stay in your heart or mind. You will do your best to resist temptations. You will purposely feast on godly things.

You cannot talk your way out of hell. No matter what a person says, if Jesus does not control and affect his living, he is bound for hell. You cannot say all the right words and make it to heaven on the merit of what you say. There will be preachers in hell along with a multitude of other church leaders. Faith without works is dead and useless. Only those who live a righteous and holy life will stay out of hell.

Words do matter if they are backed up by living. How you live is a profession of the sincerity of your words. Actions do speak louder than your words. What are you saying about your faith by the way you live?