Talking and Walking

DEVOTION
ROMANS
TALKING AND WALKING

Rom 15:18-21
18 I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done— 19 by the power of signs and miracles, through the power of the Spirit. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ. 20 It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else's foundation. 21 Rather, as it is written: "Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand." NIV
As I get to this ending part of this letter to the Romans it is filled with personal notes and greetings from Paul and I am wondering of what I can glean for myself and my journey with the Lord. Then it dawns on me, he is talking about a physical journey, yet I am on, or should be on both a spiritual and a physical journey as well. I have been sent, as has everyone to someplace and not for my purpose but rather for the purpose to lead others to obey God by what I say and do. But the thought here which really strikes a chord in my heart is the part about not speaking of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me. Does this mean us all, I should not engage in the trite small talk, the banter of everyday life? I know we waste an awful amount of time talking about foolishness, myself included of course. I digress, I guess keeping myself from the point of having been sent. I am where I am because God desires for me to lead others to obey him by what I say and do. I said that, but got off track and now am back on to this point. Although the waver was worth it and has value also, I think I really need to focus on this task more. Is preaching, teaching and writing the fullness of my calling to lead others. That is what I say, but what about what I do? Back to not just talking the walk, but walking the talk, I think. Do I walk the talk? By my actions, my life, my doing, do I lead others to obey Christ? Is the power of signs and miracles through the power of the Spirit a part of my life? Is it evident? I have to say to myself, I think so. Having supposed to be dead from my heart attack, and not because of the miracle of God, I think displays some evidence of that. Living by faith still another. I think I could count some ways, but will refrain. Do I encourage others to obey God? I certainly hope so. That is want I do believe my calling is. I just want to walk it as much as I talk it. For this I need the power of the Spirit more and more for life does bring alone many ways to get distracted from this walk, this journey both spiritual and physical.