Shining brightly in deed and word

Bob at Mr. Standfast reminds Christians that we are the light of the world. Walking in the light, Bob explains, begins with what we believe and proclaim:

The light you shine, Christian, is first of all (though certainly not last of all) in your confession. Answer the following questions: Who is Jesus? Why did he die? What happened after that death? Where is he now? Finally, what does it all matter?

In this world we like to devalue words in favor of actions. We think it a wonderful thing if a man can “walk the walk” whether or not he “talks the talk.” But your walk begins in your confession. What you believe, that’s what you walk out. Shine your light, Christian. Jesus asked Peter, “Who do you say that I am?” Jesus asks you, “How shall the world know who you say that I am, and also why it matters, unless you both talk it and walk it?” Word and deed, enabled by the Holy Spirit, this is the light of the Gospel shining through men.

It's good to hear Bob articulate the importance of confessing Jesus Christ. I occasionally meet someone who implicitly (or even explicitly) belittles those in my line of work as simply talkers. It's true that right action is important, as we see all through the pages of the Bible. But we are still called to shine the light through the Word.