Introductory Thoughts
It is easy to tell others what to do and how to do it, but very unwise to fail to follow one’s own instructions and teachings. In fact, man naturally seems to want to place greater burdens upon others than he himself is willing to bear. This was one of the primary issues addressed by those attending the council of Acts chapter 15 in Jerusalem. Peter concluded with the other apostles in agreement that it was not right to ask others to bear a yoke that previous generations were unable to bear (Acts 15:10). This does not mean that believers change their teaching to fit their obedience. Rather, believers ought to obey the truth and teach these truths to others. How many preachers and teachers have spoken about subject matters only to refuse to obey the very truths they have taught to others?
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Paul told Timothy not only to teach, but to be a good example (1 Timothy 4:11-12). When we do wrong, we may cause others not to believe in God or to think that they dont have to do what He says. King Davids sin gave Gods enemies great occasion to speak against the Lord (2 Samuel 12:14).
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(For everyone): What truths have you taught to others only to disregard them yourself? How does this harm those to whom you initially taught the truth?
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How many people have been turned away from the truths you taught because of your own disobedience to the truth? What will you do to mend what you have broken?
Prayer Thoughts
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Ask the Lord to help you live what you teach.
- Ask the Lord to make you an example for other believers.
Song
SOLDIERS OF CHRIST, IN TRUTH ARRAYED
