Romans chapter 2 verses 17-24 (NIV)
Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God; if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of little children, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast in the law, do you dishonour God by breaking the law? As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”
This portion reminds us what it was that the religious leaders in Jesus’ time forgot. It’s not enough to know God’s word, neither is it enough to share it with others. We need to live it out. Our testimony must be seen being out worked as well as heard. Otherwise it won’t have an impact.
Worse still, if we don’t do so, we might be seen as hypocrites and the impact might actually turn people away from the Lord. I never want to be responsible for turning people away from God.
Dear Lord,
Help me to be a practical Christian living out what You teach me. May no one ever speak ill of You because of my behaviour. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.