Stop Talking and Start Walking

In the age of keyboard warriors, words have become increasingly important. We have firmly become a society that talks a good talk. We spend hours on social media in chat rooms and comment sections blasting the opinions and actions of others. We sit comfortably behind our screens and rise in the realm of self-importance.

The irony is that I am using words to bash those who sit behind screens. This blog is just words. In the Orthodox sense, it isn’t worship. It isn’t even prayer. It is a blog, nothing more. It is our ‘slogan’ that makes the difference. Here at Be Transfigured Ministries, we invite and encourage you to Live A New Life In Christ. That requires action!

Brethren, when Gentiles who have not the law do by nature what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that what the law requires is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness and their conflicting thoughts accuse or perhaps excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus. But if you call yourself a Jew and rely upon the law and boast of your relation to God and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed in the law, and if you are sure that you are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth – you then who teach others, will you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” Circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law; but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? Then those who are physically uncircumcised but keep the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law. For he is not a real Jew who is one outwardly, nor is true circumcision something external and physical.

Romans 2.14-28

Throughout history the Church has struggled with those who ‘talk a good talk’ but never walk a single step in the Christian life. In today’s epistle lesson, Saint Paul was warning about the difference between talking the talk and walking the walk.

It doesn’t matter what we call ourselves if our life doesn’t reflect God’s love. As Saint Paul challenged, “Are you an Orthodox Christian? Then live as an Orthodox Christian.” Were you baptized and/or Chrismated into the Church? Then live as if that faith guides you.

Saint Paul is warning us, as he warned the Jews. The name of God is blasphemed outside the Church because of us. Every time our actions do not reflect what we claim to believe, we are a scandal not only to ourselves, but to God, Who saved us.

As we come to the end of our Pentecost celebrations, consider this. Stop talking about Orthodoxy and start living it in YOUR life. Stop worrying about the Orthodoxy of others and start confessing your failings to your spiritual father. Then maybe we will be truly Orthodox.