Walk Worthy (1)

True religion is not a matter of form, but of spirit. Let us not show our religion only by word, but by the fruit of the Holy Spirit, by love, mercy, meekness, and zeal.  The whole life of a Christian, as far as he is a Christian, gives evidence that he is a Christian. Let us ask ourselves, 'We profess to be the children of God, what shows that in our lives?' A true Christian can answer, 'I can justify it by the Spirit; I find I do things from other principles and motives than the world does. I find I do things out of the assurance that I am a child of God and live in obedience to him.'
Alas! I cannot but lament the poor profession of many. How do they make good that they have the Spirit of God raising them above other men, when they live no better than pagans, nay, sometimes not even as well? Would pagans live as many Christians do? Do they not keep their words better? Are they so loose in their lives and conversations, and so licentious? Many ordinary Christians are worse than pagans. If the heathen should see them, they would not say, 'You talk of religion, but if you had the power of it, you would express it more in your fidelity, honesty, mercy, love, and sobriety.' The kingdom of God, that is, the manifestation of the government of Christ, 'is not in talk but in power' (1 Cor. 4:20). Therefore, let us labour to justify that we are subjects of that kingdom, by the power of it.
Paul said of mere moral people, they 'have a form of godliness, but deny the power of it' (2 Tim. 3:5). A form is easy, but the power of it is not so easy. Let us how our religion by our lifestyles. Let us justify the preaching and hearing of the word of God, by reverence in hearing it as the word of God, and labour to express it in our lives and conversations; showing that we are true members of Christ, that we are like Christ. 

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Richard Sibbes 'Refreshment for the Soul.'
The Fountain Opened, Works, vol. 5, pp. 494-95
Banner of Truth has granted permission for the use of this material.