Fathers, Preach AND Practice!
"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)
Sermons are not the exclusive entitlement of preachers. According to the apostle Paul, Christian fathers are to train their children in the admonition of the Lord. This means telling and SHOWING. The well-known poem by Edgar Guest conveys this thought well.
"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 every student 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 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, are not the ones that tell them, but the ones that show 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 “demonstrate” Godly sermons daily.
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)
Sermons are not the exclusive entitlement of preachers. According to the apostle Paul, Christian fathers are to train their children in the admonition of the Lord. This means telling and SHOWING. The well-known poem by Edgar Guest conveys this thought well.
"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 every student 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 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, are not the ones that tell them, but the ones that show 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 “demonstrate” Godly sermons daily.
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis
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