Talk is Cheap

Talk is Cheap 

The above quote came to my mind when I read the following verse recently:
“In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.” Proverbs 14:23

If the Lord does not return, and He allows me to see this new year come to an end, I would like to be able to do so with a sense of accomplishment – to the glory of God! I would like to be able to say that this year was profitable. But, how often are goals and resolutions just “the talk of the lips” that are quickly forgotten? Talk is cheap and only leads to penury or extreme poverty.

*Failing to stay on track with our goal to study His Word and therefore grow as a Christian will lead to spiritual poverty.
*Failing to stay on track with our goal to develop a more fervent prayer life will lead to poverty of answered prayers.
*Failing to stay on track with our goal to serve Him more will lead to the poverty of the JOY in serving Jesus.
*Failing to stay on track with our goal to practice more could lead to poverty of opportunities to minister.

Even goals that we may perceive as “nonspiritual” can have an impact on our spiritual lives –

*Failing to stay on track with our goal to get in better shape physically can lead to poverty of some opportunities to serve Him or poverty of the number of years in which we can serve.
*Failing to stay on track in de-cluttering our homes can lead to unnecessary distractions and thus poverty of focusing on spiritual matters.

The list could go on. As I look forward to a new year, I think one thing that will help me stay focused is keeping in mind a verse I have heard my mother quote often – “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:16.

Before we know it, March will be here…May…July….October…December, and then, this year will be history. I am praying that I will be able to stay on track. I have heard it said,

“I do not fear failure; I fear succeeding at what is not important to God.”

If God allows us to see this year come to a close, let’s pray that, for HIS glory, we can look back and see areas in which He has allowed us to profit.

“This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. “ Titus 3:8

~ Rachel ~