I cannot count the number of times growing up I heard the old phrase “do as I say not as I do”. It’s a phrase that many of us have often been told by those teaching us the ways of life. But let’s just be honest, it is a completely ridiculous saying as we should not do something that we believe someone else should not do. People of faith especially should not use this phrase.
Christians must not be like the Pharisees who Jesus specifically called out for this very thing. Jesus told the people that they should listen to what the Pharisees taught because they held the seat of Moses. But that they should not imitate their actions as they often did not follow through and did the very things they taught against. In other words, Jesus said to do as they say but not as they do.
Matthew 23:2–3 (ESV)
2 “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, 3 so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice.
People of faith should not have this kind of warning associated with them. Christians instead should live a life that allows them to say what the Apostle Paul often said. Imitate me as I imitate Christ. Or in other words don’t only do as I have taught you, but the do the very things you see me do. Everything we say and teach should align with our actions.
1 Corinthians 4:16 (ESV)
16 I urge you, then, be imitators of me.
Philippians 3:17 (ESV)
17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.
1 Corinthians 11:1 (ESV)
1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
Paul not only taught through his letters and sermons but made a point to live by example. Doing the very things that he often told others to do. But He was only following the example of the one who came before him. As scripture shows, another reason Jesus came as He did was to leave us an example of how to live. One in which He never had to say “do as I say not as I do” because He always did what He said. Just as we should all try to do.
1 Peter 2:21–22 (ESV)
21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.
Don’t live a life that you would not want those looking up to you to copy. When we tell others to do as we say not as we do, it only makes us a hypocrite. As faith goes knowing what you should do and not doing it is sinful. It can also have an adverse effect on the faith of someone else. Going as far as causing them to question God and walk away from Christianity.
James 4:17 (ESV)
17 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.
Live your life in such a way that you can proudly tell others to imitate you as you imitate Christ. Lead by example and do the things you would want to see others do. Our lives should lead others to faith and help them to live their best. Every single person has someone watching them, to see what they will do. So we must each be the best example we can possibly be.
This is not all to say that Christians should focus on living a perfect life. What it does mean is that you shouldn’t allow yourself to do things you know are wrong. Those things that you would not want your kids or others who are looking up to you to do. That’s the kind of life every Christian should strive to live. One that is purposeful and that proudly says do as I say and as I do.
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