Practice What You Preach

6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. Galatians 6:6

As Christians, we are at times the student, and at other times the teacher. There are those who look to us for guidance and others in our life who we look to for guidance. There are a few things we should consider as we take on this double role.

When we instruct others or give them advice, we should share “all good things.” What are the good things? Sharing good things means to guide others according to God’s will. We should instruct others according to the Bible and the principles laid out in Scripture. The Bible and Holy Inspiration teach us what to do in every aspect of our lives. What should we do when we are down or up, lost or found? The Bible has all the answers, and as instructors, we should advise people according to these principles. We may not be preachers who stand at a pulpit and teach a congregation, but we are teachers to those who look to us for guidance. We spend much of our lives relaying our thoughts and advice to others. It’s easy to rely on what you think is practical or smart. But remember when we roll out advice, it should be grounded in Scripture and God.

Next, as instructors and advisors, we should practice what we preach. It’s not enough to talk a good game. As Christians, the most important thing we can do is be the person we are preaching about; in other words, it doesn’t matter if you are sharing “good things” with others unless your very essence embodies those good things. We see it too many times. Men and women who speak godly words but do the exact opposite in their personal lives. Advise others according to Scripture and apply those principles to yourself. Practice what you preach! And do not be fair-weathered Christians. Follow the word of God and what you preach, whether times are good or bad, whether you experience failure or success, whether it’s uncomfortable or ill-timed. Be the words you are preaching to others.

As one who receives instructions from others, we must finally take those instructions to heart and obey. How many times in our lives have we ignored the sound advice of others? How many times have we disregarded, even scoffed at the recommendation of our preacher, Sunday School teacher, or elder at our church? As we start the new year, let’s become good listeners. Listen to whoever gives you good, Christian advice. Even if those instructions come from a child or your worst enemy. And let’s build a faith grounded in works. The Bible says, “faith without works is dead.” If we open our ears, we’re getting a lot of good advice and instruction. If you deem these instructions to be bible-based and from God, listen carefully and act accordingly regardless of how hard it may be to execute.

In the new year, if we do nothing else, let us share good things. Aren’t you tired of sharing bad things, bad thoughts, and bad intentions? As instructors, give advice based on the Bible. If Jesus stood in my shoes, what would He say to do? It’s not enough to provide instructions- you must live and be those good things you share. And as listeners and pupils, listen to others and act. Instead of living this year full of denial and brush-offs, let it be a year of openness and active works. If we live this new year fulfilling our duties in both capacities as instructor and listener, only good days will come.

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