Practicing What We Preach

Have you ever known someone who could tell you all about encouraging others, loving others, etc. but they were not a nice person? Maybe they didn't even speak to people? Maybe they were a bully. Clearly they were not practicing what they preach. I bet you thought of at least one person. But, wonder how many thought of us?

It truly is easier to see that plank in someone else's eye! Matthew 7: 3, "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" I recently heard a devotion about how we can quote, sing or read about the fruit of the spirit but the telltale sign is when our fruit is squeezed! Yep, the true colors come out.

Sin interferes with our witness for Jesus. James encouraged people to "humbly accept the word planted in them." James 1: 21, "Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you." By not obeying Scripture we forget what it says. Verses 23 and 24 go on to say, "Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like."

It is a privilege to be made in the image of Christ and be able to share the gospel. The Holy Spirit has changed us and empowers us to be better witnesses of the Good News. We have to be obedient to God's Word to reflect His Light and Truth wherever He sends us.