Practice What You Preach
I saw this saying on social media and I liked it. "Your most powerful testimony is how you treat others after the church service is over." I thought of hearing, "practice what you preach" through the years. I always say it is scary at times to be in ministry because I think we are held to a different standard, as we should be. Studying this topic. I realized, that "practice what you preach" came from the Bible. You probably knew that. Matthew 23: 3, "...But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach." In other words, walk the walk, not just talk the talk!
Whether we like it or not, people are watching us and watching how we handle the ups and downs of everyday life. If we say one thing and do another, we are seen as hypocrites, pretending to be something we are not. As Christians, it is very important that we follow Jesus's example. No matter where we are or who we are with! Our words and actions should reflect our faith! We cannot tell others what to do and not do our share. Verse 4, "They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them." We cannot be proud and boast. Verse 5-7, "Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by others." And what happens when we do these things? Verse 12, "For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." We are to be the light of the world, Matthew 5:14. Are we shining the Light of Jesus?
When we worship God and show love and good deeds towards one another we show that God has reconciled us. We are changed - we are a new creation! Not because we go to church, read the Bible, pray or listen to Christian music but because we continue to show a willingness to forgive and love fellow sinners.
"You preach a better sermon with your life than you do with your lips."