Ridgell's Originals

 Every preacher/teacher/parent does it.  It happens in Bible class and in small groups.  Talking about how we ought to do things that ... well, we don't do.

Preachers preach on giving when they don't give.  Or about losing your temper when everyone knows you better not cross them.  Some are completely unaware.  It is as if it never occurs to them that their sermon might should be heard by them.  Others have to start their sermon by acknowledging that they need to work on what is being talked about.  Some are even so honest that they begin the sermon with confession and asking for forgiveness.  It is especially painful to listen when the preacher gets really intent about something and evidently has no clue that he is the worst offender.

But it is not just preachers.  It happens to parents.  I have sat in living rooms where parents were distraught about a child who just got a DUI or a MIP.  Then realize the alcohol consumed came from their own liquor cabinet.  

Or Bible classes that spend a lot of time talking about reaching those on the margins.  And then do nothing about it.  Loving them in the abstract but not in reality.

And we all do it.  

So let's work harder at connecting our teaching to our practice.

Remember that the Bible lesson and instruction is for us too.

Being confessional does help.  Acknowledging that we are not perfect but are trying to do better.

Or just being honest enough to ban certain topics because no one is going to put it into practice anyway. 

I am trying to do better.  I try not to teach about anything that I am not trying to put into practice in my own life.  

Some of the most convicting sermons I have ever heard were preached by me.  

And maybe that is the way it should be.

So let's keep teaching.  Just be sure we are all getting the message.

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM