Do you practice what you preach? It is a pretty straight forward question. When we proclaim to be a Christian, we are telling the world that we follow Jesus. Part of following Jesus is to be Christ-like, meaning that we are supposed to act as Jesus did. We are to treat others with kindness and compassion just like Jesus. Why is it so hard for some Christians to practice what you preach?
I am sure that most of you have seen the devastation that the hurricane left in Houston. There have been so many positive stories of people helping other people out. People from different back grounds, religions, and ages are pitching in to help out. There was one video that caught my attention. It was a video showing the line of boats on the highway trying to get to Houston to help people. It was incredible to see how many people came from all over to help. I also saw photos of people getting rescued from their home by complete strangers. It is great to see a community and country coming together.
How people view your actions?
Something is also hitting the headlines was a store of Lakewood Church. If you have never heard of this Church, it is the Church of Joel Osteen. The Church and Osteen have been getting a bad wrap about not helping others. People are questioning whether Christians practice what you preach. I am sure that most of you have heard the story about the furniture store letting people in for shelter at the same time Lakewood was turning people away. Many people were questioning what was going on with Lakewood.
Several internet posts from the Church included things like “God was still on his Throne” and “thoughts and prayers.” Many critics point to words are only words. They expect Christians to do as they say. I don't know all the facts of what is going on with Lakewood. What I do know is many people are asking do Christians practice what you preach?
Why you must practice what you preach.
Being a Christian comes with the great joy of knowing your savior and a stigma from non-believers. One way we overcome the stigma is to practice what you preach. When we go around telling everyone how they should act, but fail to do so ourselves, we become hypocrites. Our words mean nothing if our actions do not back them up. Instead of drawing people to the light of Christ, we push them into darkness.
Here is a couple of verses that I want you to take a look at. Do you find yourself being a hypocrite?
1 John 4:20 NASB If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.
James 1:26 NASB If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless.
Matthew 7:5 NASB You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.
Don't pretend to care if you don't.
One of the worst behaviors I see coming from Christians is pretending to care. We have a duty as Christians to be like Christ. When you are filled with the holy spirit, this feeling comes naturally. Struggling with your attitude and behaviors shows your personal development as a Christian. If you do not genuinely care, please quit using Bible verses to spread your false narrative. When you tell a person that you will keep them in your thoughts and prayers, make sure that you do. If you are not going to pray for them, keep your mouth shut and don't waste your breath.
Giving people a few Bible verses for encouragement but doing nothing to help them is just plain dumb. Start practicing what you preach and quit using the words of the Bible to try to make you look holier than thou.