PRACTICE

One of the duties of a minister is preaching. And for me, preaching is a crucial task to carry out, and it has a significant consequence. What is that consequence? Preaching should be followed by PRACTICE; otherwise, I would be called a hypocrite. Instructing people to do or not to do certain things that I am not willing to put into PRACTICE myself, makes me a hypocrite. And being a “hypocrite minister” is a humiliation to God’s name and His church.

The apostle Paul was very concerned about this matter when he wrote in Romans 2:21-24, “You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal? You who say, ‘Do not commit adultery,’ do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law? For ‘the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,’ as it is written” (NKJV). Paul was trying to say, “PRACTICE what you teach, PRACTICE what you preach!” Actions speak louder than words. But if we read Matthew 23:2, 3, we learn that Jesus was the origin of this concept. Jesus warned His followers against hypocrisy. He said, “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not PRACTICE what they preach” (NIV, emphasis supplied).

Jesus criticized the Pharisees because they created laws and set standards impossible for the Jews to follow. In verse 4, Jesus says, “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.” Thus, PRACTICING what we preach is fundamental. Jesus wants us to PRACTICE what we preach. If our actions do not align with what we preach, we break the ninth commandment; we are lying to the world. Ellen White wrote, “This is not a small work, but one of great moment. You are preaching the gospel to others; PRACTICE it yourself at home.”¾The Adventist Home, p. 356; emphasis supplied.

In family life, the marriage counselor gives a piece of everyday advice to the couple: “Never let a day go by without telling each other, ‘I love you.’” This is excellent counsel because words are powerful. Words can build you up and strengthen your relationship as a couple. But saying “I love you” is not enough; it should be followed, or proven, by PRACTICE. If you really love your spouse, you will treat him or her as you want to be treated. Give your spouse a helping hand with the chores, a listening ear, a compliment, a card, and a special present on their special day. This is PRACTICING what you preach, or showing by your actions that you truly love your spouse.

PRACTICING what we preach is easier said than done because of our human nature. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can do all things. Jesus encouraged us in Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth” (NIV).

Whether we like it or not, people are watching us and seeing how we act, how we speak, how we live. So PRACTICE what we preach, and ‘walk the walk, not just talk the talk.”

Hiskia Missah
Editor

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