Live Out Loud, Pt. 6 - Go Make Some Noise!

Today, I will finalize my series which is based on the sermon I preached last week. In an attempt to tie this up, here are some action points on which to move forward:

First, start with the inside. As I mentioned in the previous section, if we start with externals, the result tends to be legalism and Phariseesism. John Ortberg, in his book The Life You've Always Wanted, likens the process to that which an athlete would go through should they want to participate at a professional or Olympic level. You cannot just try harder to be righteous, rather you must train in righteousness. This usually involves developing the spiritual disciplines. Incidentally, if you are like me who either doesn't think in deeply theological circles or need help in getting started in these, I highly recommend his book. His subtitle is Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People. It is VERY PRACTICAL and highly insightful. Here is a list of things to begin working on:

a. Practice Celebration and Thanksgiving - Be aware of all that you have, savor it and begin practicing thankfulness.
b. Practice Slowing - In our fast paced life, slowing down is one of the last things we
do. Instead begin training yourself to not foster a hurried lifestyle. For example, get in the longest line at the grocery store or drive in the slow lane.
c. Practice of Prayer- How do we expect to grow in any relationship without conversation. Paul describes prayer to be a constant open communication between us and God. (1 Thes. 5:17) Don't be fooled into thinking that you can only pray in one place and time.
d. Practice Serving- This discipline has to do with becoming others focused. (1 Pet. 4:9-11)
e. Practice Confession- Keep short lists with God.
f. Practice Hearing the Holy Spirit- "One reason why we fail to hear God speak is that we are not attentive. We suffer from what might be called 'spirit mindlessness.'" (Ortberg)
g. Practice of Secrecy- Ween yourself away from the desire of the approval of others.
h. Practice of Meditation- Biblical meditation is different that what most perceive it
to be. The word for meditation is also "mutter" it has to do with chewing on scripture in such a way that you are mumbling it constantly to yourself. Scripture memory works in here.
i. Practice of Suffering Well- How well we respond in the difficulties of life have tremendous testimony to the authenticity of our faith. People are watching!
j. Practice of a Well-Ordered Heart- Augustine said that a well-ordered heart is to love the right thing, to the right degree, in the right way, with the right kind of love.

If these things become to focus of your life, the next step happens simply as a by-product. Second, let the inside affect the outside. Jesus said, "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

In conclusion, it's not about doing, it's a bout being. Living out loud happens when we see God for who He is, and then we live out our identity in Christ, the works can't help but to show, because it is HIS Spirit's fruit that will manifest itself. And Spirit always seeks to glorify the Father and the Son.