In an age where public and private lives are no longer separate. We are finding that many public figures have private lives that are in disparity with the public persona’s they have built.
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It is incumbent on us as believers for our private lives to hold parity with our public lives.
This proverb ‘Do as I say not what I do’, is highly problematic as it seems to be a characteristic of modern day Christianity.
You have church leaders preaching from the bible but in secret their private lives are in disarray. When it comes out in the open, the congregation are left feeling betrayed, confused, angry and disillusioned.
Every month there is yet another church controversy, it is probably so common now that it neither shocks nor considered problematic. Believers nowadays love to use the epithet ‘Christians are not perfect’. Whilst there is truth in that, I think that it is said mostly, to absolve an individual from their shortcomings or to reduce the pressure placed when you identify as a Christian. We repeat words in our worship songs like we are only a ‘sinner saved by grace’. This was true before our new birth, but since being born again, we are no longer a sinner and the grace that saved us is the grace that keeps us. I think unintended these statements present a faith that is not consistent with the finished work of Christ on the cross.
When the apostles highlighted their shortcomings, it was to convey that despite their imperfections, Christ is revealed and is perfected in their weakness. It is in their weakness they realise their constant dependence on Christ to translate the Kingdom through them.
2 Corinthians 12:9
In light of the theme of education, Jesus has commanded us to make disciples and teach them to observe the Kingdom principles Christ himself taught. The issue we have is that many like to teach doctrine but not live it. Apostle Paul exhorts Timothy to be an example both in speech and conduct. Let your life match your doctrine is basically what Paul was conveying to Timothy.
1 Timothy 4:12, 16, Matthew 28:18-20.
1 Corinthians 11:1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. Paul is admonishing us to model our lives after the pattern that he is showing. Not only in what he teaches but how he lives his life. I think it is important to be clear, Paul is not saying to model our lives after him, but to watch how he models his life after the teaching Christ revealed to him and thus we should then do likewise.
God revealed the plan to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah to Abraham because He was pleased with how Abraham directed his children and household in the ways of God. He educated them about Yahweh and His just and right ways. Abraham modelled his life after the teachings of God and ensured his children do likewise.
Genesis 18:19
Essentially education is, ‘do as I say and as I do’. Our lives should be living epistles. Living examples of God’s greatness. Therefore, our words and actions should be in one accord.
