These are days of preachers; In the national and international scene, everyday we hear so much of talk, about stopping of war for ever, peace and peaceful co-existence, elimination of poverty and bringing in an ideal world order, equality and justice. All these are easily said than done; those who speak about such things are applauded and appreciated in the world circles, and news media.
But people who listen them in their heart of hearts know that all these are vain words even if the intention is good; as when it comes to practice no one bothers about practicing what he preaches. Preaching is for others and the preaches is spared from all the preaching. No day passes without attractive promises for a wonderful future from the politicians. In the UNO exhortations for disarmament and reduction of arms are repeatedly given; and yet the affluent nations go on increasing the production of weapons of war; even atomic and chemical weapons and missiles. There is much talk about wiping out poverty; but there is only exploitation in the name of caste, creed of religion; and so the poor become poorer. There is constant talk about peaceful co-existence; but war dominates the international scene and strife and unrest inside the country. Peace and Utopia (a state of ideal perfection) are far from sight!
In the Christian circles also, unfortunately, it is not very different these days. There are hundreds of preachers who preach about the Love of God. But people don’t see any true expression of love in their life. So, hearers are not impressed. It looks as though the preaching is always meant for others. Preaching is the easiest thing to do especially if God has given such a gift to a person; so much so. The preaching goes unheeded. We need preaching; but we need practice consistent with the preaching. “Preaching is not the performance of an hour. It is the outflow of a consistent life. Everything depends on the spiritual character of the preacher”. People look for a practical life in the preacher where his action will reinforce his words. The tree is known by its fruit (life) and not by the leaves (words)!
Let us hear what St. Paul says in 1 Cor.11:1 “Follow my example as I follow Christ” what boldness! What challenge!! He is the follower of one who challenged his hearers publically “Who can convict me of Sin”! Paul made it a point that he lives what he preaches and preaches what he lives; As a result of this confidence and resolution he had the boldness to say “Imitate me as I imitate Christ!
Now a day we hear preachers say “Don’t look at me, look at Christ” or: don’t follow my example; only do as I preach. “This is not much different from the example of the Pharisees Jesus talked about “Do as they say, but do not follow their example. They put heavy burdens on people but they are not willing to carry even a part of it”. Paul is telling the Corinthian Christians how to be spiritual Christians. If one thinks that Christ’s example is too divine to follow in day to day life, he gives himself as a down to earth example of following Christian principles. Very often we also think that the standards of Christian life set forth in the word of God is too high to be put into practice in day to day life. More so when it comes to what is written in Mathew 5 to 7 chapters. But here is one, challenging us to follow his example as he explicitly follows Christ’s. At the first appearance it may appear to be boasting-but Paul is talking to his fellow believers who have known him well.
What a beautiful example we see in Paul for the present day Christian leaders and preachers! We have no right to preach unless we practice the principles we preach. Not that we should reach perfection before preaching but our life should be a pilgrimage to perfection, as Christ said “Be ye perfectas my heavenly Father is perfect”.
Every elder, leader, Bishop, pastor or preacher of the church should strive for such a glorious testimony as was Paul’s. This requires much prayer, much discipline and much fullness of the Holy Spirit to lead a life of constant following the Lord, so that others can see us as an example. It is God’s desire that all of us, in our Christian life and testimony will be able to say humbly but boldly like Paul “Imitate me as I imitate Christ”.
The secret of this exemplary life is mentioned in 1 Cor. 10:31, 33 “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the Glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble. For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of others. Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ”.
Let us ask God to enable us to have such a testimony in our life and work as we are called to be conformed to the likeness of Christ. Rom. 8:29.
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