In the western world, mainly in North America, there is no dearth of opportunities to hear a Christian message today. From the pulpits on a Sunday morning to Bible studies in small groups and televangelism in several media channels and the Radio, we are bombarded with Christian preaching, day in and day out. But interestingly, for the most part, preachers employ “words” as the primary tool to communicate the love, mercy, sacrifice and glory of Jesus Christ and I am guilty of the same. Seldom are these words backed up by a lifestyle that not only communicates but also showcases the love, mercy, sacrifice and glory of Jesus Christ. We preach, but in reality are not really preaching.
Mother Teresa is attributed to have said, “Let us preach you, Dear Jesus, without preaching….not by words but by our example.” How very true? We must be preaching without preaching; preaching with our lives and not our lips. Closer scrutiny of Mother Teresa’s statement reflects that she was merely paraphrasing what Jesus himself had said, i.e., Let your light so shine before men, that they may SEE (not hear) your good works and glorify God our Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).
Points to ponder:
Ask yourself: Am I preaching without preaching? In other words, am I preaching with my life and not just my lips? Any other kind of preaching is in essence abominable, disobedient, reprobate and a denial of God according to Titus 1:16 which states “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him.“
Matthew 5:16 (KJV)
6 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Titus 1:16 (KJV)
16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
