Many people think they are measured by what they know. Schools are filled with such people. Our society measures people by what they know, what certificate they hold, or what college they attended. Unfortunately, this mindset is prevalent in the church as well. “What Bible College did you attend?” or, “What’s your Master’s degree in?” I hate those questions. I attended Bible college, and though I have nothing against getting a Master’s degree, I believe without putting what you have learned into practice, it is completely meaningless. In fact, it can be dangerous.
We Are Accountable For What We Know
James wrote, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness” – James 3:1. James 3:1 warns that teachers face stricter judgment, urging us to live out our knowledge with integrity. The same applies to what you have learned. You will be held accountable for what you know. Knowing God’s truth requires us to live it, as Jesus modeled with his disciples. Should we then not learn to avoid accountability? No, that’s lazy thinking. The challenge is to practice what you do know. The church today is far more educated than the 12 disciples of Jesus were. Consider this: Jesus didn’t choose the highly educated. Among those he chose was a tax collector and a burly fisherman. It’s not about what you know, but about knowing him and putting into practice the influence he has had on you.
Growth Is Determined By What You Practice
I encourage you to share what the Lord has shared with you. Give it away. Whatever the Lord has shown you, share it with someone else. Tweet it. Summarize it on Facebook. Ensure, however, that your heart is sharing the truth for the right reason, not to gain “likes,” but out of genuine love for others. Share what God has revealed to you. If gaining “likes” dominates your thinking, don’t use social media to share it. Share it in person and let the Holy Spirit influence people with the revelation he has given you. Sharing a kind word with a struggling coworker reflects Jesus’ love in action.
The Power Of Your Testimony
The power of your testimony is not found in what you say, but in how you live. If you are not living it, don’t say it. It astounds me how often I see Facebook posts that offer deep spiritual truths from people whose lives don’t resemble what they post. A better way to say it is, “If you are not living it, don’t post it.” They do this to build their public persona, to make people believe they are more mature than they really are. Surely, you have seen this too. Before you start naming names in your mind, start with your own and stop there. I’m not addressing the heart or intent of other people. I’m addressing your heart and your intent. Why do you “share” or “post” deep truths? Answering these tough questions produces growth because honest answers either reveal the necessity of repentance or affirm your right standing with God.
Paul put it this way, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” – Ephesians 4:29. When you speak with grace, you build others up.
Paving The Way For The Holy Spirit
To those who live what they share, your impact is enormous. Because your life resembles what you say, your words are powerful and effective. This cannot be overstated. When you live what you say, you pave the way for the Holy Spirit to minister through your words. He can reach into the deep crevices of one’s heart and minister to the soul. The Holy Spirit knows exactly what is going on in one’s life, in their heart, in their thinking. He has the power to minister to the unseen need. When you “walk the walk” and “practice what you preach,” you partner with the Holy Spirit as he ministers to those who hear you. This is a tremendous blessing and a powerful ministry!