Disturbing?

This wasn't too surprising or disturbing to me. I am analytical and somewhat strategic by nature. When I see others that I want to emulate (job, lifestyle, work/life balance, leadership, spirituality, etc.), I've tried to be intentional about the action steps that I need to take to reach the end goal knowing that simply wishing my way through life won't get me there. I think about how most adult men identify with their occupation, especially when meeting new people. "Hi, I'm so-and-so. I work at ABC, Inc. as an XYZ and build widgets everyday." With the introduction, we expect a similar reply which I guess we think will give us a glimpse into the other person's life and help us understand or "know" who they are. Is this fair, no. Is this common practice, absolutely. Our society and culture places importance on actions and we define ourselves by them and define others by them. Look at the criminal justice system in the U.S. Once I commit (fill in the blank), from then on I'm known as a (fill in the blank). One action could equal a totally different identity and a totally different life here on earth. Usually, the noun or adjective that is used to describe the criminal is the most atrocious crime (action). The same but opposite could be said for our two strangers that introduce themselves to each other. Out of self respect, we usually don't claim our identity with the lowest notable task or action (i.e. Mr. so-and-so owns the company but also provides janitorial service occasionally. He doesn't usually introduce himself as a janitor. Instead, he probably introduces himself as the business owner.).

Spiritual action or lack of action plays a huge role in who we are. It impacts how we interact at work (actions = who we are), how we treat our spouses and family, and how we interact with everyone else we come in contact with. If we are in the Word, pray and serve God frequently and consistently, then we will be filled with the spirit and this will shine in all our actions. We will bear good fruit. If we are not filled with the spirit, the fruit that falls from our trees will be sour and others will know we claim we are Christian but our actions speak otherwise. Actions speak louder than words. Some refer to this type of person as one that wears a mask to church. We can be one type of person on Sunday morning, but totally different the other days of the week. Frequent, consistent and intentional spiritual action is needed if we want to be known by others as Christian leaders.