“The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. Matthew 23:2-3
“Do not let your deeds belie your words, lest when you speak in church someone may say to himself, ‘Why do you not practice what you preach?'”
Jerome of Stridon (374-419) in a letter as recounted in Parade of Faith: A Biographical History of the Christian Church, ed. Ruth A. Tucker (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2011) 85.
I am flying to Phoenix this morning for the Stewardship Summit slated for 11-13 January 2017. It’s a great “iron sharpens iron” event with faithful fellow servants in the Christian stewardship space.
Why attend this event and speak on one of the days? Each of us must constantly be growing and learning in our stewardship journey so our lives exhibit not the kind of generosity that is celebrated in our culture, but the kind of generosity that was modeled by Christ. In the words of St. Jerome, we do this so our practice matches our preaching.
Ironically, Jesus told His disciples not to follow the example of religious leaders of his day. Why? They were hypocrites. Are you a hypocrite? Would Jesus tell people not to follow you? When our words align with what God’s word teaches and our actions match up, people will follow us as we follow Christ. Just yesterday, a dear friend graciously said, “Gary, I am following you, as you follow Christ” (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:1). Humbling. No pressure! Only possible with God’s help.
God help each of us practice what we preach with regard to generosity lest we be labeled hypocrites who lead people astray and bring dishonor to your name.