More than one person has made that statement to me. The allegation always makes me shudder, but I know what they mean. Sometimes the statement comes from someone who hasn’t recognized that she, too, falls short of Jesus’ teachings once in a while. And so, I am reminded that I do not always act on what I profess to believe, and that those who look to me to model the Christian faith may not always see in me the light of Christ. As someone who wants to show others the way of Jesus, I sometimes feel as if I am a miserable failure.

I, like everyone else, am human, and I’m going to mess up some days. There are even days when I’m going to mess up more than once. Thank God (quite literally!) for God’s gracious love and forgiveness that provide me with opportunities to begin all over again.

Each of us is called to be an evangelist, to share the Good News through words and conversation, but also with actions that are consistent with what we say we believe. Recognizing that we will sometimes fail to live out what we say we believe, it is important to think about ways we can walk the path that Jesus set in our daily lives.

One way to pay attention to how our words and actions mesh is to look at the day ahead for opportunities to show others what the way of Jesus looks like. Take a few minutes in the morning, or perhaps even the night before, to consider the upcoming day’s activities.

While most days have a few surprises in them, you can reflect on the events that are planned. Who do you expect to meet during the day? Where will your chores take you and what encounters might you have there? Is there work you hope to accomplish or leisure you expect to enjoy?

As you think about the day ahead look for opportunities to express the Good News through your actions. What kindnesses might you offer? How will you deal with a situation that involves anger? Will there be any opportunities for forgiveness or for speaking out against oppression of others? How will you take care of yourself or someone else in a way that demonstrates God’s concern for our well–being?

None of this needs to be dramatic. Simple actions can convey the Good News as well as big ones. Speaking kindly to the kids or neighbors, recycling instead of tossing cans and bottles in the trash, walking two blocks to run an errand instead of driving, taking a few extra minutes to talk to someone who needs a listening ear, or objecting when someone is treated unfairly are all ways of enacting the Gospel. If you’re like me, chances are you’ll do or say something you wish you hadn’t today, but with a little intentionality and planning, perhaps we can show — as well as tell — what the Christian life is truly about.

Debra Farrington is the author of eight books of Christian spirituality and an experienced  retreat leader and speaker. Contact her through her Web site at www.debrafarrington.com

This article is published in the July/Aug 2007 issue of Lutheran Woman Today.