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Articles
Practicing what we preach
One of the most significant challenges in today’s world is living out the very things we proclaim. It’s easy to teach or talk about ideals, but the weight of our message comes not just from what we say but from how we live. The early disciples and, most importantly, Jesus Christ Himself understood this truth. As we delve into Scripture, we see that teaching alone is not enough—practicing what we preach gives meaning and weight to our words.
The Power of Example
In the book of Acts, we see a clear emphasis on the order of "doing" before teaching. Acts 1:1 (NASB) records, “The first account I composed, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach.” Notice the order—Jesus first did, and then He taught. Too many today have reversed the order, teaching without living by the principles they profess. But teaching has the greatest impact when it is backed by action. Christ is the perfect example of this principle in action. He didn’t just proclaim the good news; He demonstrated it through His works. Matthew 11:5 (NASB) reminds us of Jesus’ testimony: “The blind receive sight and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.” His actions confirmed His words and gave them weight.
Humility in Action
Jesus didn’t just teach humility—He lived it. In John 13:5 (NASB), we find Him performing an act that shocked His disciples: “Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.” The significance of this act went far beyond physical service; it demonstrated a heart of humility that Christ embodied. He taught men to be humble, not just through words but through humble actions like this. Philippians 2:5-7 (NASB) encourages us to follow this example: “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God…emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant.” It’s easy to talk about humility, but Jesus showed us what it looked like in practice.
Love: The Greatest Command
Another principle that Jesus practiced is love. He didn’t just command His followers to love one another; He lived a life that demonstrated love at every turn. John 15:12-13 (NASB) reveals His heart: “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” But Jesus didn’t stop at words. He displayed this love in His sacrifice on the cross. Romans 5:8 (NASB) emphasizes the depth of His love: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” It’s not enough to talk about love—we are called to live it out, just as He did.
Generosity Through Giving
The early church was also marked by generosity, a virtue Jesus exemplified. In His teachings, He reminded us of the blessedness of giving. Acts 20:35 (NASB) records Paul’s words: “In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Jesus not only gave His life but also taught that giving is central to a Christian life. 2 Corinthians 8:9 (NASB) reminds us of His example: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.” True generosity involves more than money—it involves giving ourselves for the sake of others, just as Jesus did.
Following the Ordinances: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
Jesus also demonstrated obedience to God's commands through practices such as baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Before He commanded baptism in the Great Commission, He was first baptized Himself. Matthew 3:15 (NASB) records Jesus saying, “Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” By being baptized, He set an example for us to follow. In instituting the Lord’s Supper, He commanded His disciples to continue this practice. Luke 22:19 (NASB) captures His words: “And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’” Jesus' life was a living example of obedience to the will of the Father, showing us the importance of following His commands in our own lives.
Living What We Teach
As we reflect on Christ’s life, it’s clear that His words carried weight because His actions aligned with His teachings. 1 Timothy 4:16 (NASB) gives us this admonition: “Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.” We must not only proclaim truth but also live it. When our actions align with our words, the world will see the authenticity of our faith, and God’s truth will spread more rapidly.
So, ask yourself today: Are you practicing what you preach? Do your actions align with your words? The example of Jesus shows us that our teaching is only as powerful as the life we live.
