a long, consistent walk

After 43 years I've learned a few things the hard way.  When it comes to sharing my faith, it's more of a long, consistent walk than a quick flurry of words.  Through my high school and college days, I can remember sharing my faith with my friends.

Whenever I did, it tended to sound more like a barrage of facts and information.  I remember feeling the need to be right and have the last word.  It felt more like defending a position than an invitation to a party.  The problem was that my life didn't back up what I was saying.  My walk didn't match my talk, and that made my talk sound like a lie.  So guess what happened?  It didn't work.  None of my friends were even interested in knowing Jesus.

It's taken 43 years to realize I need to practice what I preach.  My actions need to support my words.  No where is this more important than with my extended family and my neighbors.  These are the people who see me most often.  These are the people who say, "oh yeah?  Well let's see you live it out every day."  It's not a sprint.  It's a marathon.  It's not a race to make converts.  It's a journey together to the finish line.  Every day I ask God to give me the strength to be a good guide so I can help my family and my neighbors across it.

-Mark Collier