When What We Say and What We Do Line Up...

I think we've all heard the saying, "Do as I say and not as I do". Usually it's used as an apology for hypocritical behavior. But think for just a moment, what if everything we said and everything we did actually lined up? What if our actions actually validated everything we said? As I grow as a Christian I'm continually being made aware of my shortcomings as I measure my life against the words of Jesus. Much of the time it's more ignorance than anything, when it comes to my words and my actions not lining up with each other. And at other times, perhaps it's not. It's in these times I must recognize my sin and make things right with the Lord, which should be followed by fruits of my repentance. But honestly, let's face it, too often we're saying things that we may not even do in our own lives. When I think of Jesus and His example, there were no differences between what He said and how He lived. His actions supported His words, and when He said something, you could count on it being lived out in His life. I want to keep narrowing that gap between my words and my actions. I want everything I say to be backed up by what I do. I want to live like Jesus lived! As I compare my life to Him and the Word of God, I know I'll be continually required to grow, change and be stretched. However, there's nothing wrong with that because my desire is to be a man of God :)