"Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven." (Matt. 5:16)

I have often wondered what some brethren would preach (or teach) on certain subjects, especially in light of the lives they are living. Some simply could not preach the truth, unless they wish to be thought of as "hypocrites." But seemingly, they really don't care; for if they did, their lives would indeed reflect the "light" as the Father desires. So then, let us turn our attention inward and ask ourselves what we would preach.

1. About Sin. Don't do it! Of course! "Behold, thou art called a Jew (or perhaps, a Christian (dr), and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, and knowest His will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; and art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? Thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? Thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles (or those in the world (dr) through you..." (Romans 2:17-24)
   
   I wonder how many Christians drink or smoke while "preaching" that others shouldn't do drugs. Or how many preach that we should help those in need, while not lifting a finger to help. Others preach that we should love one another, but they don't even love their brethren. The list could go on and on. What these are really preaching is that sin is good, and pleasurable, and full of peace. "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him! Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the Lord of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel." (Isaiah 5:20-24)
   
   A true Christian will preach: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). "If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:6-9). "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23). "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (1. Corinthians 7:1)
   
   
2. About The Church. That one needs to be a member. Of course! But, what about the responsibilities that accompany membership in the Lord's Body? What then do we preach? (Let us notice just three areas of responsibility.)
   
   a. Membership. Some preach that membership in a local congregation is not necessary. They, of course, could not preach: "From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love." (Ephesians. 4:16) Their "supply" to the congregation is often limited to what can be supplied during one hour per week.
   
   b. Attendance. Some preach that attendance at the assemblies is not important or necessary. They, of course, could not preach: "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised); and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Hebrews 10:23-25) Recently, I heard about a Christian who was confronted concerning lack of attendance at the Bible studies on Sunday and Wednesday, as well as the Sunday evening worship. His response, in essence, was that by requiring assembling at those times, the congregation was causing him, and his wife, to sin, because they didn't want to be there. Again, he could not preach: "Therefore, to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." (James 4:17)
   
   c. Giving. Some preach that giving is unnecessary. They, of course, could not preach: "Now concerning the collection for the saints. As I have given order (commandment (dr) to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him," (1 Corinthians 16:1,2) Nor, could they preach: "But this I say, he which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:6-7) For some, when it comes to giving, God gets the "leftovers" (IF anything is left). How sad that they do not reflect on Him who supplies everything we have. What about the lesson contained in Mark 12:41-44? This, of course, is another lesson they could not preach.

We could discuss many other subjects--Judgment Day, Heaven and Hell, Faithfulness, or The True Love of The Father and the Son. But, no matter what subject is under consideration, we need to consider our lives as we live them before others, and before God. Paul instructed Timothy regarding the way he should live his life. Should it be any different for us? "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of (or to, (dr) the believers, in word, in conversation (way of life (dr), in charity (love (dr), in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. ...Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt save thyself, and them that hear thee." (1 Timothy 4:12-13; 15-16)

What do others "hear" from you? What do they "see" in you? More importantly, what are the Father and His Son "hearing and seeing?" Can They "see your good works," and be glorified? It is no longer a question of "What You Preach;" now, it is a question of "What Do You Preach!"

"Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." (1 Corinthians 11:1) Can you say the same thing? Are you "living" what you preach? "So as much as in me is. I am ready to preach the Gospel..." (Romans 1:15)