Let Them Be Seen!

Some things seem to be better said than done. Though hearing and seeing are both important means of conveying truth, is there perhaps a sense in which some things are better done than said?

Someone has said, “The world today is hearing too many sermons and seeing too few.” [source: “1600 Squibs And Quips”, compiled by E. C. McKenzie.

That appears to actually be nothing new. Even Jesus addressed the problem.
“(1) Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, (2)‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, (3) so practice and observe whatever they tell you -- but not what they do. For THEY PREACH, BUT DO NOT PRACTICE.’” ( Matthew 23:1-3 ESV)

It appears what Jesus had in mind that was being taught by the Jewish teachers was true since He encouraged His listeners to put those things into PRACTICE. What was missing, however, was the PRACTICE of those spiritual truths being EXEMPLIFIED in these teacher’s lives. Though they taught the principles of God’s law, they were not living in accordance with them. These teachers were not allowing their lives to ILLUSTRATE the manner of life God’ s message was all about. While emphasizing some of the minutest details of the law, they were missing some much weightier things ( Matthew 23:23-24) and Jesus likened their approach to straining out gnats and swallowing camels.

When it comes to the truth of God’s Word, both the hearing and the seeing are important. However, those truths being EXEMPLIFIED in our life can be, in itself, a dynamic means of teaching. Let us live in such a way that others may see, in ACTION, the wisdom of God’s truth for life. This will make what we say much more believable. May we continually bear in mind the way we live our daily lives has the potential of powerfully illustrating how practical God’s principles for life truly are.

Have a great day BEING A LIVING SERMON FOR THOSE AROUND US!
Carl

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