Congruence

We have a word in English - congruence - that refers to two or more things that “fit” each other. In some parts of American society, congruence in a person is valuable and good. What is congruence in a person? It means that what a person thinks, says and does all fit together. We have a saying that goes with this: “Don’t talk the talk unless you can walk the walk.”

For example, if I say - “parents should show respect for their children”, and then I act rudely to my children - I am not congruent. But if I say, “Exercise is very important”, and I have a habit of exercising regularly, then I am congruent.

We have a saying also that people use who are not congruent: “Do as I say, not as I do.” It is not an effective way to teach people if you say one thing, but do another. It is very effective to teach others if you are congruent in what you say and do.

In your life, is congruence a goal or a good value for you? What are some areas in your life where you “talk the talk and walk the walk”? What habits or other ways do you use to stay congruent in this area?

In your life, are there areas where you say “Do as I say, not as I do”? What are the reasons that you’re not congruent in those areas?

What people have been role models for you - people that you would like to be like in some way? Are they congruent? What is it that is admirable about them?

In the Bible, we see that Jesus expects Christians to walk the walk - they should show by their actions what they believe in their hearts. How do these words of Jesus fit together?

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

(When Christ returns),The King shall say to the righteous, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

Then the righteous will answer the King, “When (did we do these things?)”

The King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:31ff