Dads – What are You Preaching?
"And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord" (EPH 6:4).
Preachers are not the only ones that should be declaring spiritual truths. According to the apostle Paul, Christian fathers are to train their children in the admonition of the Lord. This means telling and showing. Edgar Guest conveys this truth in his well-known poem.
I’d rather see a sermon, than hear one any day;
I’d rather one should walk with me, than merely tell the way.
The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear,
Fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear;
And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,
For to see good put in action is what everybody needs.
I soon can learn to do it, if you’ll let me see it done;
I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.
And the lecture you deliver may be very wise and true,
But I’d rather get my lessons by observing what you do;
For I might misunderstand you and the high advice you give,
But there’s no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.
When I see a deed of kindness, I am eager to be kind.
When a weaker brother stumbles, and a strong man stays behind.
Just to see if he can help him, then the wish grows strong in me;
To become as big and thoughtful as I know that man to be.
And all travelers can witness that the best of guides today,
Is not the one who tells them, but the one who shows the way.
One good man teaches many, men believe what they behold;
One deed of kindness noticed is worth forty that are told.
Who stands with men of honor learns to hold his honor dear,
For right living speaks a language which to every one is clear
Though an able speaker charms me with his eloquence I say,
I’d rather see a sermon than to hear one, any day!
Dads – do your best to preach Godly sermons…every day.
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis
"And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord" (EPH 6:4).
Preachers are not the only ones that should be declaring spiritual truths. According to the apostle Paul, Christian fathers are to train their children in the admonition of the Lord. This means telling and showing. Edgar Guest conveys this truth in his well-known poem.
I’d rather see a sermon, than hear one any day;
I’d rather one should walk with me, than merely tell the way.
The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear,
Fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear;
And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,
For to see good put in action is what everybody needs.
I soon can learn to do it, if you’ll let me see it done;
I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.
And the lecture you deliver may be very wise and true,
But I’d rather get my lessons by observing what you do;
For I might misunderstand you and the high advice you give,
But there’s no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.
When I see a deed of kindness, I am eager to be kind.
When a weaker brother stumbles, and a strong man stays behind.
Just to see if he can help him, then the wish grows strong in me;
To become as big and thoughtful as I know that man to be.
And all travelers can witness that the best of guides today,
Is not the one who tells them, but the one who shows the way.
One good man teaches many, men believe what they behold;
One deed of kindness noticed is worth forty that are told.
Who stands with men of honor learns to hold his honor dear,
For right living speaks a language which to every one is clear
Though an able speaker charms me with his eloquence I say,
I’d rather see a sermon than to hear one, any day!
Dads – do your best to preach Godly sermons…every day.
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis
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