"So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don't follow their example. For they don't practice what they preach." Matthew 23:3 NLT
In the world today, preachers and teachers of God's word, are expected to live what they preach and, this is how it should be. They are responsible for showing people the way ahead - the truth and nurturing them forward. Above, Jesus is talking about the Pharisee's attitudes. To the Pharisee, righteousness meant outward conformity to God's law; they ignored the inward condition of the heart. They commanded but didn't participate. Jesus considered them hypocritical, religious dictators and, quite often vipers.
Much is expected from teachers and preachers. James says, 'Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.' Basically, teachers are in a very responsible position. They are responsible for handling God's word and, their example should affect the people they teach. This is living the word. Mind you, this includes anyone who officiates as a leader in a home or prayer group or anything similar. We are all to adhere to the Word of God.
I would take it a step further as well. As a child of God, we should all be ambassadors of Christ. This means when people look at us, they should see Jesus. John Stott, comments in a journal from the CS Lewis Institute on 1 John 2:6:
'First, I think it is important for us to make a general statement, as the apostle John does in 1 John 2:6 "he who says he abides in Christ ought to walk in the same way as He walked." In other words, if we claim to be a Christian, we must be Christlike.'
John Stott, Becoming more like Christ
As we have mentioned many times, the average person in the street, does not read a bible. When they know that we are 'Religious,' they watch how we act, what we say and some will actually say, 'Is that the way a Christian speaks or acts.' In other words, we are the closest thing to Jesus that they normally see, even if they go to a church service. If I may say, many people are on their best behaviour in church but, at home or out and about, they can be very different. This should not be. We should carry the fragrance of Jesus wherever we are and whatever we do. This means when someone cuts us up in the car, instead of tooting the horn and gesticulating to them, we should remain cool. Difficult? Yes it is, but with practice we can do this.
So there it us, we are all accountable to Jesus for whatever we say or do and, at the moment, there is still time to get it right, I hope!
If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:
'Lord Jesus, I have sinned and I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.
In Jesus' Name. Amen'
Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.
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