PREACH WHAT WE PRACTICE

We often hear the criticism that as Christians we do not practice what we preach. We are often called hypocrites. Barna.org (a Christian polling organization) in a recent survey on why people reject Christianity, the number four reason was ‘Christians are hypocrites’ or they do not practice what they preach. (This may or may not be true, but it is always a good excuse not to become personally responsible for your own life as well as… who says that non-Christians are not hypocrites in thoughts and actions?) You do not need to be a Christian to be a hypocrite.

Jesus did not practice what he preached… he preached what he practiced. This is the key to purity of message and practice. It solves the disparity of message and practice. We can only say what we do… instead of the trite message often given to children… “Do as I say… not as I do.” Nobody, including and especially children, believes that message. And, should not.

“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” Jesus