Talk the Talk and Walk the Walk
March 2026 - Bruce Fairbairn, Elder
The phrase ‘talk the talk and walk the walk’ (or its shortened version ‘walk the talk’) reminds us that we should be consistent in our words and actions, that what we say and what we do are aligned. This matching of thoughts and deeds breed integrity and authenticity in our lives and in our relationships with others. ‘Practicing what you preach’ is a similar euphemism, while ‘actions speak larger than words’ implies that what you do is even more significant than what you say and more indicative of one’s true beliefs and intentions. True credibility comes from what one does, not just what one says. And as good old Ben Franklin pointed out: “Well done is better than well said!”
The Bible is replete with similar advice and numerous examples that encourage us to live and work in such a way that people can depend on our words and actions, that we are trustworthy and that this is a gift from God. We are asked to proclaim the Good News to the world; to act with love, integrity, honesty and authenticity toward others; and to walk humbly and confidently with God. In the Book of Acts, we see believers in the early church living in such a way that others are drawn to the Good News. The church community was not just talking about the word, but showing it by their love, compassion and interest in others. People noted that these Jesus followers were different, that that their actions were well-aligned with their teachings. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told his followers to be salt and light in a dark sinful world, to positively influence people as His disciples and to be living testimonies so that others might see their good deeds and praise the Father in heaven. He also told his followers to be honest and direct in speech and actions: “let your yes mean yes and your no mean no.” In other words, ‘say what you mean and mean what you say’. [Drawn from Matthew 5]
Regarding Timothy’s ministry, Paul counseled his protégé: “Command and teach these things…set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity…devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching…Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” [1 Timothy 4:11-16] In yet another example of ‘talk the talk and walk the walk’, Paul similarly encouraged the church at Ephesus to live in such a way that reflects their faith. He wrote: “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” [Ephesians 4:1-2]
Talking the talk while walking the walk is not always easy. We sometimes find it more expedient and convenient to talk a good game than actually play it. The writers of a recent contemporary Christian song recognize that, despite their nice words and good intentions, they often fall short in follow through. Instead, they pray that their everyday lives and demonstrated actions toward others will do the good preaching.
I talk about grace
I talk about love
I talk about faith
But some days I don’t have enough
I talk about forgiveness
But still learning how to give it
Lord, I need your strength to live what I believe
I want my life to preach
Every breath, every beat
I want my life to preach
When I’m strong, when I’m weak
Through valley lows and mountain highs
Every moment testifies
Further than my words could ever reach
Lord, I want my life to preach.”
[“Preach”, written by Ryan Stevenson and Matt Hammitt]
Jesus is our perfect exemplar of one who talked the talk and walked the walk. His words and actions were always perfectly aligned exuding truth, authenticity, honesty, integrity and love. In the Upper Room, Jesus told the disciples and us that His body and blood were offered as the new covenant. He then walked resolutely to the Cross and beyond. During this Lenten season, and every time we celebrate communion, we publicly avow our decisions to pick up our crosses and follow Christ. We pray that the Spirit continues to work in our lives so that we indeed talk the talk and walk the walk with Christ, both inside and outside the walls of Crestview.
Bruce Fairbairn – Elder
