Don’t Just Say; Do!

“Do as I say, not as I do”. Does anyone else remember this old saying? I certainly do. It seems like I heard it quite often when I was growing up. I can recall on several occasions thinking; he told me to do this but he’s not doing this. Why should I do it? He’s being a hypocrite. While the sentiment of “do what I say not as I do” may have been meant for good, this phrase falls short of biblical standards. 

Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Here we see Paul exhorting the people of Colossae to do everything in the name of Christ. In the words we say and the deeds we take part in. The word deed or deeds simply means something that is done. So, everything a Christian does is to be done in the name of Christ. Likewise, the words we say every day are to be governed by Christ. 

1 John 3:18  My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

Here we see our words that come from our mouths mean little if our actions, our deeds, are not rooted in the truth of God’s word. This is where we find true love for one another and the ways we are to treat others. 

1 Corinthians 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

Paul again is stating the truth that all believers need to be committed to following Christ. Some translations say imitate instead of follow, but the sentiment is still the same. Look to Christ for the ultimate example of how we are to act and speak. 

This is a critical task for the disciple of Christ. It is critical for our own sanctification and for the training, discipling, of our own families. 

When we strive to conform ourselves to Christ’s perfection we are in obedience to God. This gives us fallible creatures the best opportunity we have to ultimately do the most good for Christ’s sake.” So, when we say the biblical and right things we have to then look to do those right things in our own lives. This is a call for every disciple. 

Don’t just say; do!