Walking and talking

Ron Friesen

In my college days, the summer months were usually busy as I tried to earn enough money to pay my tuition. One summer job was as a truck driver making deliveries all over Saskatoon. I had one stop every day at a Safeway warehouse, where I befriended the receiver. We had coffee together on many occasions, laughing and talking about sports, hunting and other things. I always looked forward to my day knowing I would see Brad.

The summer passed by quickly, and two weeks before I was to quit, I told Brad that I was returning to Bible school. I will never forget what followed my announcement. He looked at me and said, "You a priest?" I laughed and told him I wasn't studying to be a priest but was in Bible college to learn more about God and what I believe. He was astonished that I was a Christian, let alone going to Bible school. He was sure that I was a run-of-the-mill dude with no religious affiliation.

I had shocked him, but he was not nearly as shocked as I was. How had I let an entire summer disappear without giving him any indication that I was a believer in Jesus? I did not smoke, drink alcohol, do drugs or swear. I had been under the impression that lifestyle alone would lead others to Jesus.

Now I recognize that while lifestyle evangelism is essential--your walk is where people see the real you--not much will be accomplished if they never hear you lift up the name of Jesus. Brad never once heard me speak of Jesus or invite him to church. My walk was fine, but my talk lacked any information about who Jesus was in my life.

From that uncomfortable moment, I asked the Lord to make me understand the power of the gospel in a life-changing way. In almost 20 years of ministry since, I have desired to be a light in a dark and lonely world. Here are five "E's" to help you "walk the talk" in your neighbourhood, in your school and in your job.

1. Example. Having just finished washing the disciples' feet, Jesus encouraged them to follow His example and serve those around them (John 13). The apostle Paul also speaks of the importance of being an example so as not hinder others from following Jesus.

2. Enthusiasm. Mark 5:19-20 describes the conversion of a demon-possessed man who wanted to travel with Jesus--but Jesus wanted his excitement to travel home to where this man was known. Go home and "walk the talk". Do it with enthusiasm. If you know Jesus and desire to carry on His ministry, do it with a glad heart.

3. Edge. Look for opportunities to have an impact on your community. The opportunities I had in British Columbia to become a chaplain for the Vancouver Fire Department and to coach a junior high school basketball team are what I would call an edge. Ask God for a sharp edge to bring Jesus into where you live or work.

4. Expect. Expect opposition to the message, expect rejection, expect that it will cost you more than you ever thought--but also expect results. They may not be immediate results, but when Jesus' name is lifted up, results will eventually happen. Expect God to change you and challenge you. As you draw closer to the enemy's territory, expect to need the power of God to sustain you, help keep you focussed and battle the discouragement.

5. Elohim. "Elohim" (Genesis 1:1) means "the Strong One, the Mighty One". Look to God as our victory. God is faithful, and when all is lost and dark, God is still in control. The confusion of our world and the apparent disregard of Him are overwhelming at times, but we know that God is all powerful. Nothing is impossible with God, so "walk your talk" and carry out the ministry of Jesus.

Ron Friesen is pastor of young adult ministries at Forest Grove Community Church in Saskatoon. This article was written when he was senior youth pastor at Willingdon Church in Burnaby, B.C., and was first printed in the Willingdon Church newsletter.

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