In an essay written shortly before his death, Walker Percy imagined the following scenario. Suppose a group of top scientists have come together for a weeklong conference to discuss and debate the latest findings on everything from superstring theory to genetic engineering. What would happen, Percy wondered, if in the middle of this meeting, a fire broke out in the convention hall, and a man rushed to the podium and said, “Follow me. I know the way to safety!”

Percy’s conclusion is that the people in the room would quickly be able to distinguish this statement from all of the others they have been discussing. In the first place, the statement “I know the way to safety!” is not a scientific claim. The conferees cannot afford to mull this statement over, debating the pros and cons, and decide to test it out later in a laboratory. An immediate response is required. In the second place, the statement “I know the way to safety!” must be evaluated more on the basis of trust than evidence. In other words, rather than asking the man first to prove that there actually is a fire, the conferees will need to decide, right then and there, whether or not he is trustworthy.

For example, if the man told the scientists to flap their arms and fly out through the skylight, they would likely dismiss him. If he spoke like a lunatic with all manner of ranting and raving, they would likely dismiss him. If they knew him to be a liar, they would likely dismiss him. However, if he spoke with authority, in perfect sobriety, and with every outward sign of good faith and regard for their safety, they would follow him—and likely, with great haste!

The reason I share this hypothetical scenario is to underscore the point that, as Christians, our walk is every bit as important as our talk. Like the man at the podium, we, too, have an urgent message to share; and like his, our message will be evaluated more on the basis of trust than evidence.

Let’s admit it; the claims of Christianity are not the kind that you can analyze in a laboratory, or prove through a series of mathematical equations. We can pontificate on this doctrine or that doctrine until we’re blue in the face; but if we do not appear trustworthy, then most folks will simply dismiss what we are saying as idle chatter.

So how does a Christian appear trustworthy? By having our actions match our words—that’s how. After all, a faith that is professed, but only haphazardly practiced, is hardly a convincing witness. If we want people to follow Christ, we must do more than merely tell them about his life. We must start living it!