SCRIPTURE:
"The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. So, you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy loads and put them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.”
Matthew 23:2-4
OBSERVATION:
“Practice what you preach” is and old saying and so applicable to these scriptures and the lesson God has for me. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees like Moses, held leadership positions that gave them authority and stature. We know that Moses was called, appointed and affirmed by God and that he followed God’s direction and will. However, with the teachers of the law and the Pharisees, we are not so sure by virtue of their thinking, actions and example. Yet, we do know that the teachers of the law and the Pharisees served a purpose in God’s plan, even if their example was a bad one. The life lesson here is about leaders and people of authority teaching, preaching and leading, yet not doing what they teach and preach, or not “walking their talk” and not “practicing what you preach.” The scriptures go on to say that although leaders are called to assign and dispense laws, principles, responsibilities, policies with expectations of goals met and compliance; do leaders themselves place the same expectations on themselves and lead by example? Often times, leadership and authority are granted by resume and record, rather than leadership and character. It is often so easy to say one thing and do another. It is in a position of leadership that this character flaw can be dangerous, especially when our leadership, authority and position can influence lives.
APPLICATION:
Looking back on my leadership in ministry, I can say that I have had my moments of not practicing what I preach, walking the talk, or simply doing what I say. It’s those fleshly moments where situation or character flaws surface to the top and get through my guard of what I know is right and becoming of my leadership and authority. Although I know my desire to do what is right and be an example; in retrospect, it is often my pride, self-serving, territorialism and entitlement that bypass the character filters to do what is right, and therefore, lead or live by example. What is agonizing is my knowing what is right but in the heat of the moment or under stress, letting my carnal, fleshly and emotional character burst forth in inappropriate words said or actions taken. What is a common result if I am not able to see and bridle my character flaws is placing blame on others for the situation; needing to be right or prove that the situation is of their causing and not mine. Jesus was so different in His example as He was firm in His teaching yet literally died to self in his actions with humility. What speaks to me is the importance to be “proven in humility” rather then prove that I am right.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, as hard as I know that it is and can be, guide me to die to my self in pride and my character flaws so that I may lead by example, practice what I preach, and walk my talk; even when the enemy uses others to “press my buttons,” “cross the line,” or attack my leadership and character. I know that I have to take responsibility to be the best example and not prove that I am right, but be proven in humility.
