Could What You’re Practicing Preach?

While a human eye has one lens with which to observe an image, many insects have hundreds! Each “eye,” then, can see part of the overall picture, and  these little creatures rely on their many eyes to detect movement around them.

When it comes to seeing underwater, the shark has quite an advantage with an ability to see light ten times dimmer than a human can detect. And the majestic eagle has vision four times greater than ours, helping it to observe its prey from several miles away and far above the ground.

Humans do not possess the same sharp vision as these creatures, but observation is still a very important component of our human senses. And for those who consider themselves to be Christ’s followers, God takes it very seriously how others observe our lives:

 Well then, you who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal [in ways that are discrete, but just as sinful]?  You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who detest idols, do you rob [pagan] temples [of valuable idols and offerings]?  You who boast in the Law, do you [repeatedly] dishonor God by breaking the Law.”                 Romans 2: 21-23

We can be sure that God sees everything we do,  and those around us are not only listening to what we say,  but they are watching what we do.  It is a wise decision to examine ourselves, and ask the question ” how do others see me?”  Perhaps if the Pharisees had done this they would not be remembered as hypocrites for not practicing what they preached:

 Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, saying: “The scribes and Pharisees have seated themselves in Moses’ chair [of authority as teachers of the Law]; so, practice and observe everything they tell you, but do not do as they do; for they preach [things], but do not practice them. Matthew 23: 1-3

God is not looking for perfection in our lives, but He is looking for sincerity. When we tell others how to live while being unfaithful in our own choices in the same areas,  we will find that what we are practicing does not preach!

We all struggle from time to time when it comes to lining our actions with our words … how do the above scriptures encourage you to be  mindful of how others observe your actions? Who can you look to for accountability in this area of faithfulness?