Just Taking a Walk

“LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE BEFORE MEN, THAT THEY MAY SEE YOUR GOOD WORKS AND GLORIFY YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN.” (MATT. 5:16)

I really think about running a lot. I need to get into better shape. I live in the New Albany area of Columbus where there are a lot of runners. I feel inspired to do so when I see them. So I had a few days this summer where I started out running and because I'm not in shape, I end of walking. I end feeling bad for not running, but then I actually feel good for walking. I am sure you know what I am talking about. I've been in full time ministry for 21 years and have come to the conclusion that people just don’t listen to you speak—they watch you walk. They watch your life. In other words, one of the most powerful leadership tools at your disposal is in your actions. What do people see when they look at you? What do your actions say about you? Below are ways to take a good walk in life, in ministry, and in the market place.

1. Honesty. Your word is your bond. Don’t mislead people or feed them half-truths or you will discredit yourself. (I Peter 2:12)

2. Thoughtfulness. Do you treat other people with kindness? Are you compassionate and caring of those around you? (Col. 3:12)

3. Consideration. To walk your talk, be as concerned for the needs of others as you are for your own. (Rom. 12:10)

4. Punctuality. Time is one of our most valuable commodities. If you don’t treat it wisely, people will not believe your talk. (Ps. 101:2)

5. Enthusiasm. Are you upbeat, optimistic, and energetic? When you can maintain a positive attitude even in the worst of times, you build credibility with others. (Phil. 4:8)

6. Resilience. How do you act after a disappointment? Do you wallow in it or are you able to bounce back? To walk your talk, you must be able to see opportunity in the face of adversity. (Rom. 8:28)

7. Reliability. It is vital that you are able to be counted on to fulfill your promises and obligations. Stick with a task from beginning to end, and be there for people when they need you, and you’ll go far in life. (Prov. 22:1)

8. Creativity. Are you constantly looking for a better way? Creativity is a magnet for others and is a key for walking your talk. (Is. 43:19)

9. Humor. Can you help others see the lighter side of bad situations? Your sense of humor can be like a ray of sunshine in people’s dark worlds. (Prov. 17:22)

10. Adaptability. Are you willing to try new things or revise your decisions when someone points out something you hadn’t thought of? A person who is open to change is extremely valuable. (Prov. 1:5)

11. Appearance. To walk your talk, you need to take care of yourself physically, groom yourself carefully, and dress yourself meticulously. (Rev. 19:8)

12. Knowledge. Are you constantly growing in wisdom and in understanding? To be believable, you must be knowledgeable. Do you know what you believe and why you believe it? Are you well read and easily understood? (Prov. 18:15)

13. Maturity. Do you live with purpose and a sense of direction? Maturity is not about age, but about a standard of behavior and a sense of personal responsibility. (Eph. 4:16)