Without Words

I just got home from speaking for the Appleton Alliance Women's Retreat in Elkart Lake, Wisconsin. My topic was "How to Live Out Loud for Christ" and it was truly an privilege to be used by God, teaching women how to demonstrate God's love through action, rather than by words alone. If you read my blog, my hope is that you want to be a living example of Christ and find that God is leading you to "Live Out Loud" too.

In preparation for my session, God gave me a scriptural reference to living out Loud and I have a fresh perspective to share with you today.

1 Peter 3:1-3
"Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives"

The key phrases are, "they may be won over without words" and "they see the purity and reverence of your lives."

I believe God's message to us who desire to "Live Out Loud" is that this is the essence of a life lived out loud! Yes, I realize the context of this verse is specifically talking to women who live with an unbelieving spouse, stating that they will draw their husbands to Christ with actions, not words. So, what I believe God's teaching us is that winning over the actions of non-believers is not limited to an unequally yoked marriage. In other words, the best way to reach the lost in this world, for Christ, is by our actions. Are you still with me?

I shared this quiz in my presentation and I want to challenge you and give you the ability to reflect on your life as it relates to your actions, instead of words.

Live Out Loud Quiz

1. My knowledge of God’s word is improving everyday and people in my life know that Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life?
2. My faith has made me “more valuable” to my home & family, work & community, not “less valuable”?
3. I have a reputation for being someone who sacrificially helps others without needing recognition or credit?
4. My friends, family, & co-workers see me as a person settled, engaged, and fulfilled in my life?
5. I am as energized about applying biblical principles as I am about learning biblical principles?
6. I am the same person on Monday as I am on Sunday at church?
7. I have learned to stand firm in my convictions regardless of the setting or circumstance?
8. My life is salt & light to the point where my family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors ask me about Jesus?
9. Even if I became independently wealthy, terminally ill, or physically maimed, I would use my circumstances to point people to Christ?
10. People come to me to ask for prayer, confide their deepest hurts, or challenge me with questions, doubts, and concerns, about their current “religious views” and I am honored to share the gospel.

If you answered "yes" to:

9-10 Congratulations! Your life has a megaphone!
6-8 A strong foreign accent, a bit difficult to interpret.
3-5 A case of laryngitis! You might be shouting, no one can hear you!
0-2 The ventriloquist…What is seen and what are heard is different!

It takes prayer, time in God's word, and a willingness to put God's word into action. It's not intended to be a chore or a challenge, but a heartfelt desire to reach hearts for Christ. I'm praying for you sister. That your life would be a megaphone and you are an example of Christ to those around you.