Live the Life We Preach About

 You may have seen the title of this exhortation - Live the Life We Preach About  - and some might be saying, oh we have heard this before.  

Well, I have heard this before too. 


But did the message go through one ear and come out the next? Or has it resonated with us to the point where we are becoming better persons as we walk this Christian journey? 


James 3:13, reading from the New King James Version of The Bible, says: ”Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.“ 


So straight off the bat, the Bible declares that if we think we are wise and understanding and don’t demonstrate that in our actions, we are fooling ourselves. 


On the other hand, those who are truly wise and understanding won’t have to say I am wise and understanding; these attributes will manifest in their behaviour, mannerisms, attitudes, and actions.


Here we have a challenge. 


It’s a challenge because it is not easy to be kind to someone who is being rude to you. But it is possible, it is not only recommended but that’s what we are called to do as Christians.


 Jesus, our Example, tells us in Matthew 5:16, ”Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.“ So what we do must align with the good we talk about. What we do should testify to the truth about God.


In I John 3:18 He also says, ”My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.“ It is not enough to say I love you or talk about love. We must demonstrate it through tangible acts of kindness, compassion, and selflessness.


More than that, in Galatians 6:9-10, we're told that whenever the opportunity presents itself, we must do good to everyone. We must live out our faith. ”And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.“ 


These are all nice words and we love to quote them, but hear this. James 1:22 - ”But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.“


Therefore, these principles we speak of - love, wisdom, humility, faith - must be active in our own lives on a daily basis. 


These are the principles we should preach about.


Now we know that none of us is perfect, but that’s no excuse to continue on in sin. In fact, we must continuously work to mature spiritually. Romans 12:2: ”And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.“


And Family, we must be real. We cannot continue to be fake. Matthew 23:28 warns against people who outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside they are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.“ Back in the book of Numbers 32:23, it is said, be sure your sins will find you out. 


We’re talking about living the life we preach about, as referred to in Psalm 15:2 - we must be people who walk uprightly, work righteousness, and speak the truth in our hearts.


We can also refer to Matthew 25:40 which encourages us to demonstrate God's love through service; and James 4:6, very importantly, which urges us to recognise our own imperfections, seek forgiveness when we fall short, and extend grace to others in their journey of faith. 


The ultimate goal here Family, is for us to recognise that we need to surround ourselves with likeminded  believers who can encourage, support, and hold us accountable in our walk of faith. 


Hebrews 10:24-25: ”And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.“


So, the sum of the matter is, Family, we don’t have to have a fancy speech or even be the best speaker. 


What it is, is that we must live the life we preach about, our actions, which must be Christlike, must speak louder than our words. When this happens, it honours and glorifies God and draws others closer to Him through our example.


30April2024

www.zjoyvi.com

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