Matthew 5:19 (KJV)
Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall
teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but
whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the
kingdom of heaven.
Jesus puts practice before preaching. Do you? Scripture is clear that
the teacher must apply the doctrine to himself before he is qualified
to teach others. Scribes and Pharisees were men who “say and do not”,
who love to preach but do not perform. This however, is Christ’s test
of greatness! Have you passed this holy test, you who are so eager to
teach?
Matthew 23:3 (KJV)
All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but
do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
Ladies, can others follow your words AND your works? Or would you be one
of those examples that God would have to advise folks NOT to follow because
your practice doesn’t match your preach, so to speak? God forbid we should
use the Word for public advantage but not for personal purification! Hypocrites
press upon others things they do not themselves, and Christ warned folks
not to imitate their self-righteousness conduct. They pull down with one
hand what they point out with the other! They dissolve their discourse
with their daily dealings. In their breaking of the least commandment
as teachers they turn out to be the least in the kingdom of heaven. God
says those who speak from experience with God’s Word and obedience to
it, who live up to what they preach and teach, are truly great.
Matthew 23:4-7 (KJV)
For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on
men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their
fingers. [5] But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make
broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, [6]
And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
[7] And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
Pointing out the narrow road while walking the broad path is typical of
those who strongly desire to sport an official title. Such pompous persons
deal severely with others yet softly with their own sin. They pay special
attention to their public appearance, making sure they dress the part
of holy position, but inwardly they are destitute of the power of godliness.
Even so, clothes don’t make the man, amen? There is no personal fruit
to their religious tutoring and these folk don’t do anything unless it
boosts their reputation! Individuals anxiously seeking a name for themselves
crave public ovation and they are ever aware of the reception they receive
from others. Addiction to admiration governs their every move in ministry,
yet they are starving for portions of respect they are not willing to
work (practice) for! I can’t imagine sitting under the sermon of anyone
so shallow and being stimulated in my spirit to surrender to God! So too,
it is very grieving to think that there are numerous teachers operating
within the body of Christ today in this kind of shape… They are basically
faking the Christian life just to be famous!
Philip. 3:17-18 (KJV)
Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as
ye have us for an ensample. [18] (For many walk, of whom I have told you
often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the
cross of Christ:
How stirring to find that a matter such as this moved the apostle Paul
to tears! I wonder if he would be heartbroken over your example as a believer?
Are YOU one of those more interested in external credentials or internal
character? Are you a good talker, a good sharer of the Word, but a poor
doer of the scripture you consistently and confidently dish out? In what
areas have you been failing to “practice what you preach”? Would other
believers mark you out as a pattern to follow, or an enemy to the cross
of Christ? Ladies, sharing the Holy Word of God should not be done without
strict regard to one’s personal testimony! Don’t be all show and no substance…
It is my hope that we would all be equally gripped with practicing truth
as much as we are with “preaching” truth!
1 Cor. 4:1-2 (KJV)
Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards
of the mysteries of God. [2] Moreover it is required in stewards, that
a man be found faithful.
All in vain is splendid preaching
And the noble things we say,
All our talk is wasted teaching
If we do not lead the way.
God Bless,
Pam
Isaiah 60:1&2
Copyright 2004 Pamela A. Iannello
