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Practicing what we preach is a fundamental principle in Christian ethics, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's actions with one's professed beliefs and teachings. This concept is deeply rooted in Scripture and is essential for maintaining integrity and authenticity in the Christian faith.

Biblical Foundation

The call to practice what we preach is evident throughout the Bible. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ Himself addresses this issue directly. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees and teachers of the law for their hypocrisy, saying, "So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach" (Matthew 23:3). This admonition highlights the danger of hypocrisy and the importance of living out one's teachings.

The Apostle Paul also emphasizes this principle in his epistles. InRomans 2:21-23, Paul challenges the Jews who boast in the law yet fail to keep it: "You, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? You who forbid adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?" . Here, Paul underscores the inconsistency between preaching and practice, urging believers to embody the truths they proclaim.

The Example of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of practicing what one preaches. His life and ministry were marked by perfect consistency between His words and actions. InJohn 13:15, after washing His disciples' feet, Jesus says, "I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you" . Jesus not only taught servanthood and humility but also demonstrated these virtues through His actions.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The ability to practice what we preach is not solely dependent on human effort but is empowered by the Holy Spirit.Galatians 5:22-23 describes the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control . These attributes enable believers to live in accordance with their faith, reflecting the character of Christ in their daily lives.

The Witness of the Church

The integrity of the Christian witness is closely tied to the consistency between belief and behavior. In1 Peter 2:12, believers are exhorted to "conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us" . The church's testimony is strengthened when its members live out the teachings of Christ, serving as a light to the world.

Challenges and Encouragement

While the call to practice what we preach is clear, it is not without challenges. The Apostle Paul acknowledges the struggle between the flesh and the Spirit inRomans 7:18-19, where he writes, "For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing" . Despite these struggles, believers are encouraged to persevere, relying on God's grace and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

James 1:22-25 offers further encouragement, urging believers to be "doers of the word, and not hearers only" . This passage highlights the blessing that comes from living out God's Word, promising that those who do so will be blessed in their deeds.

In summary, practicing what we preach is a vital aspect of the Christian life, rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. It requires the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and a commitment to living out the truths of Scripture, thereby enhancing the witness of the church and glorifying God.James 1:22
But be you doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
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Romans 2:13
(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
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Titus i. 4-Jan
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pray for us, andwe for you, thatpracticing virtue arightwe may so...

Three Important Precepts
... Why shouldwe doubt him... Paul's Cathedral or Westminster Abbey aspreach to them;
they are impenetrable... Be wise enough to be diligent inpracticing what you are...

Thou Shalt not Steal.
... judges, jailers, or Master Hannes [the executioner] topreach.... and day-laborers of
whomwe are now... Just let them continuepracticing their exactions as long as...

On the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Ghost
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rewardswe shall have forpracticing these virtues and leading a holy...

Acts VIII
... (9) But a certain man named Simon was in that city before,practicing magic and... thy
mouth and in thy heart; that is, the word of faith whichwe preach, That if...

1 Cor. xv. 1, 2
... Then againpracticing his wonted humility, this also he speedily passes by and refers
the whole to God, saying... "Whether then it be I or they, sowe preach."....

Self-Humbling and Self-Searching
... Maywe not stir others up to devout emotions, and...Preach not the Savior's blood,
and yet be without... talking about grace, and mercy, andpracticing prayer, and...

The Epistle to the Ephesians
... the vices of the old man andpracticing the virtues... Rome: (1) From Eph.6:19, 20we
infer that... sufficient liberty during his imprisonment topreach the gospel....

An Account of the Organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church...
... with prayer before and after: fruitfully, immediatelypracticing what you... And what
avails public preaching alone, thoughwe couldpreach like angels?...

Power --Its Source
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our policemen; the lawyers would have to give uppracticing law, and...

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