SERMONS WE SEE
I'd rather see a sermon than hear one
any day,
I'd rather one should walk with me
than merely show the way.
The eye's a better pupil and more
willing than the ear;
Fine counsel is confusing, but
example's always clear;
And the best of all the preachers are
the men who live their creeds,
For to see the good in action is what
everybody needs.
I can soon learn how to do it if you'll
let me see it done.
I can watch your hands in action, but
your tongue too fast may run.
And the lectures you deliver may be
very wise and true;
But I'd rather get my lessons by
observing what you do.
For I may misunderstand you and the
high advice you give,
But there's no misunderstanding how
you act and how you live!
-Edgar A. Guest
Ask non-Christians to verbalize one of their complaints about believers and they will sometimes say, “Christians are hypocrites. They preach one thing, then practice another.” Sometimes such a complaint is unfounded. It is simply an excuse behind which the unbeliever is trying to hide. All too many times though, they do see those whose lips say one thing and whose lives say another.
Paul the apostle could have been referred to as a single-minded person. His daily focus was to be more Christ-like and to attain maturity in Christ. Therefore, as an individual sincerely seeking to follow Christ, he could exhort others, “Brethren, join in following my example.” In so saying, Paul was not being conceited or playing the self-righteous game “I live better than you do.” Nor did he feel he had spiritually arrived where he needed to be.
Instead, he was simply expressing what everybody knew. In his earnest effort to become like Christ, he had so consistently lived that he could say, “Follow me, because I’m following Christ.” He recognized there are other believers who could echo the same invitation and adds, “And note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.” Timothy and Epaphroditus are undoubtedly two he had in mind. To follow those examples was to follow those who practiced consistent Christ-like conduct – conduct not dictated by a set of human regulations but by a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Imagine a non-Christian living next to Paul the apostle or an unbeliever he labored alongside of in secular work. What could anyone have pointed to that was not consistent with Christian character or conduct? Imagine, too, the opportunities and boldness Paul could have had because his life supported his lips. Non-Christians have cause to listen to someone whose pattern follows his preaching.
The question every believer ought to ask and answer as he lives and works around non-Christians is, “Is my life an attraction or distraction to Christ?” Ask God to show you any area of your life that is inconsistent with Christian testimony.
“Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.” Philippians 3:17
