Some ministers and preachers will tell you to do as they say and not as they do. They will tell you the right thing to do but do not follow them around and observe their actions. They will say one thing and do something else. They do not practice what they preach.

For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name because you belong to Christ, verily i say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.

The book of James tells us to not only to ‘be hearers of the word but doers also’. Matthew tells us to let our light shine before others, so that they may see our good works and give glory to our father who is in heaven.’ Matthew also says, ‘Not everyone who calls me Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.’

I say if you are going steal, lie, commit adultery, and other sins, and then do not even call yourself a Christian. You will only bring shame to God’s name and to other Christians. You should live the life that you preach about. That is why I love the following poem by Edgar A. Guest.

I Rather See A Sermon
Poet: Edgar A. Guest

I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day;
I’d rather one should walk with me than merely tell 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 good put in action is what everybody needs.



I soon can learn 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 lecture you deliver may be very wise and true,
But I’d rather get my lessons by observing what you do;
For I might misunderstand you and the high advise you give,
But there’s no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.


When I see a deed of kindness, I am eager to be kind.
When a weaker brother stumbles and a strong man stays behind
Just to see if he can help him, then the wish grows strong in me
To become as big and thoughtful as I know that friend to be.
And all travelers can witness that the best of guides today
Is not the one who tells them, but the one who shows the way.

Men bringing a paralyzed man to Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith, He said,” Friend your sins are forgiven.”



One good man teaches many, men believe what they behold;
One deed of kindness noticed is worth forty that are told.
Who stands with men of honor learns to hold his honor dear,
For right living speaks a language which to every one is clear.
Though an able speaker charms me with his eloquence, I say,
I’d rather see a sermon than to hear one, any day.