The Evangelist and His Work - Practicing What We Preach, Part I

The Evangelist and His Work
Practicing What We Preach, Part I

Surely all Bible students acknowledge that "practicing what we preach" more accurately conveys New Testament teaching than the idea of "preaching what we practice." Even so, there is something to be said for preaching what we are practicing. In terms of the standard of teaching (New Testament Scriptures), there should be a genuine effort to proclaim it and to conform our lives to it. While practice will probably never reach the high standard of God's will in every detail, there must be a wholehearted effort to embrace God's will in life.

A Divine Imperative

To Timothy instruction was given: "Take heed to thyself, and to thy teaching. Continue in these things; for in doing this, thou shalt save both thyself and them that hear thee." (1 Tim. 4:16) No preacher who disregards truth's application to himself has any business trying to direct others in spiritual matters. It was for this very reason that the apostle directed Timothy to live in such a manner as to remove all opportunity for any detractor to disparage his youthfulness, as he stressed the well rounded example that a proclaimer of God's Word ought to exhibit. "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an ensample to them that believe, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity." (1 Tim. 4:12) Paul's initial charge to the young preacher in 1 Timothy 1:18-20 emphasized the holding of faith and a good conscience, both of which depend upon practicing what one preaches. Several times in his farewell to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20, the apostle referred to his manner of life among those in Ephesus; and in verse 35 he summarized, "In all things I gave you an example...." Who can deny, or would even want to deny, the divine imperative to every proclaimer of truth, "Practice what you preach!"

Help Or Hindrance

Preacher, whoever you are, whatever your background, regardless of your level of learning and the amount of time you dedicate to preaching, if you would be effective in helping others, you must give particular attention to your own life. Then it can be said of you as it was said of the village preacher in Goldsmith's "The Deserted Village," "Truth from his lips prevailed with double sway, and fools who came to scoff remained to pray." If you value the message that you convey, the souls that you can influence, and your own eternal welfare, you must learn to deny self and to crucify self as others must do. To fail to do this is to fail in life's greatest objective, the saving of oneself and all others possible. Truth is truth regardless of whether the proclaimer practices it himself, and each hearer is accountable to Christ for his own conduct in relation to truth. It is undeniable, however, that poor portrayal of the gospel in life often hinders its reception by others.

Preacher, what is your attitude toward these matters? Do you view yourself as a unique creature, possibly a cut above the average Christian? Do you somehow think that you are not answerable to the same standard as others? Is your attitude more that of a master or of a servant? Do you act as if you always must be heard, especially before others? Your answers have a bearing on your fitness for preaching. Are you willing to deny self for the sake of the gospel and saving souls? These considerations are much more important that your comfort, your interests, or your rights. It would be better for the self-centered, self-promoting, self-aggrandizing man never to start preaching, for the Lord's will and work can never come first for him. He would save himself and the brethren some embarassment and the congregation some problems. - Bobby L. Graham