It is easier to preach than to practice

Preaching is something that all theologians are bound to besides other engagements. However, preaching cannot be as simple as it should be, since one has to practice what he/she preaches. The statement “it is easier to preach than to practice” sounds casual in my opinion as it denotes a person who preaches just for the sake without having the burden for the lost soul. After all, our theology has to be practical and not only live by theory. 

I strongly believed that preaching has to be practical and theology should come alive like the Word of God. If Jesus himself said that he came not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many, how can we as servants or God, believers of Jesus Christ, whether laymen or theologians simply preach and not practice. 

Yes, I too agree to some extend that it is easier to preach than to practice. Because that would be like preaching without conviction or without having burden for those who are perishing which will eventually lost the essence of preaching. Preaching has to be exemplary that must be lived out through one’s life. 

After all, the instruction of Paul to Timothy to let him set an example in his life, speech, conduct, love and purity remind us that one should not only preach, but live out our preaching. Paul also instructs Timothy to let him examine his own teaching and conduct so that nobody would criticize him and this should apply to every preacher who has committed and dedicated themself to serve in ministry.

Furthermore, looking at different preachers and witnessing how preachings are done, only those who practice what they preached are able to execute and deliver the Word of God powerfully and effectively. Regardless of whether a person maybe  anointed or not if an individual does not practice what he/she preaches than what is the meaning behind being anointed. 

In addition, in today’s world "preaching" seems to be so common as though it is been sold in the market where anyone can just get accessed to it through social media and other platforms. Hence, many immature preachers and normal preachers might be tempted to simply preach without knowing the real value of what preaching should look like. Many motivational and inspirational preachings are heard and listened everyday from our phones, and hence, sometimes in the process of imitation one might be tempted to fall out from knowing the real meaning of preaching.

Personally, I do not intend to say that I know better about what preaching should be like or say that I practice what I preach every moment of my life. But the truth is,  preaching has to be practical, theology has to be living and our life should respond to what we preach. 

Practically speaking, it is indeed truer to say that it is easier to preach than to practice and this explicitly connotes that human are mere mortal. However, that should not give an advantage for anyone to fall. Rather, one should continue to persevere and endure because it is the power of God, the Holy Spirit who will help us in the process. Also, the fact that "preaching" is not only something confined to the theological world which is physical but is spiritual in its essence. And that itself should give us the courage and boldness to move forward despite the difficulties we face to live out what we have preached. 

Despite the difficulties we face to live out preaching in real life, it is also emboldening to know that we have the Holy Spirit to guide and teach us to live out the truth. And that makes Christian preaching unique from other religious preaching. 

In conclusion, I would say that God would never enjoy someone preaching but not practicing what he/she has preached. John 14:15 says, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” and keeping God’s commandments mean to live out the Word of God as an act of obedience. Hence, a true preacher would never say, “it is easier to preach than to practice” but say "it is hard to preach without practicing" because they will ultimately love to keep God’s commandments and follow what they have preached.   

God bless..! 

_Vizo Seyie

Metamorphosis: A Call To Change

Intrigued by the thoughts of what the Bible presents to us about God, initially I marveled as to why a divine being would call for a relationship with mere mortals. This motivated me to register myself on the journey of faith which eventually led me on a theological voyage. The scratch line seems perplexing as I contemplated and pondered the reasons to discover what lies behind the mind of God for this call. The intricacies of theologies about God and philosophies about life began to fill my mind. However, amidst these ambiguities, I learned that God's plan and purpose can be known when we diligently seek to know the truth without wavering in our faith. The corollary I noticed on this voyage was a “change”; a change from a blurry perception about God to a wholesome transformation in my inner being. The pursuit to discover about God eventually led to the call of metamorphosis. 

This change did not happen overnight. it was slow and sometimes imperceptible. However, it ultimately did its purpose. Challenges did come in as I stepped in the world of academics which made me forget to rummage and understand the condition of my inner being. Ironically, it even made me to forget my Bible, and prayer conscious was only seen in services rather than in my rooms. However, that made me to “realize” rather than appease me to “relax.” As I think of the changed areas, it was my attitude and behavior, the way I perceived and my approaches towards life. Christ likeness and lifestyle began to encapsulate my inner being as I lived my life in reality. I started to see classrooms not simply as a hall to receive lectures but also to put it into practice what I have learned. Place like Spicer's hall reminds me that God is not far. I can worship and rejuvenate my spiritual life. Library began to teach me that I do not know everything but I can learn, hence teaching me to stay humble. It was not my intellect that brought these changes but the catalyst was the Holy Spirit who acted as the agent of this metamorphosis. 

As we have embarked on this journey of faith, let us be reminded that God will eventually lead us to a transform life, enabling us to live like Christ through the enablement of the Holy Spirit. 

In the end note, let this verse be the essence as we look forward with our life. 

Romans 12:2 “Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God 

transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect" (NLT)

 

(Ps: Written under the aegis of LDAP, 2022 for Shalom Bible Seminary publication) 

_Vizo Seyie

Think Of Your Parents

Think Of Your Parents 

Think of your parents for they will not be always with you; 

One day, they will leave you or you will leave them as death closes in. 

Think of your parents though they are uneducated and ignorant; 

For they have traded themselves with ignorance to give you education. 

Think of them though they make mistakes because they are getting old. 

Do not pour your wrath upon them but render your hands and feet; 

For they did not fail to let you down as you embark on your journey. 

Think of them when you are with your friends,

Enjoying the pleasures of your life filled with exhilaration. 

Think of them for they are working somewhere, 

Toiling hard and shedding sweats for your smile and laughter. 

Think of them in your achievements and successes in life, 

For they did not fail to mention your name before God; 

Remember them for you did not achieve on your own. 

Think of them though they look chronically untidy; 

Do not be ashamed of their ignorance or unkempt appearance. 

Think of them for they chose to barter their beauty just for you. 

Think of your parents in your profession and works, 

For it will stimulate you to be industrious in life. 

It will bring the best version of who you really are; 

And empower you to live a life of dignity and integrity. 

Do you think of your parents? If not, then think of your parents..! 

-Vizo Seyie

The Debt

Dear youth, as you mature in age and knowledge, don't forget that your parents are growing old in them. Don't argue with them with your sophisticated knowledge about the world for they are mostly confined within the kitchen. They have treasured you more than their own lives, so don't belittled their awkwardness or unschooled lifestyle.

Though they lavishly pour out their hearts against you, don't try to bark against them. 

You may seem intellectual than your parents but don't forget they saw the sun first. They have experienced more, so their knowledge and wisdom is towering as compared to yours. 

Don't whine about them for their failures to meet your needs or for their misconduct. 

In fact, it is due season for them to be senile and make uncountable mistakes for they are receding into a child like state. 

So, do your best to take care of them for you owe them your past, present and future. 

Dear youth, remember this! 

Had they not confined themselves in the kitchen, you would not have seen the world. 

Had they not become uneducated, you would not have been literate. 

Had they not become ignorant, you would not have become an intellectualist. 

Had they not dressed and have unkempt appearance, you would not have become dignified. 

Had they not use keypads you would not have used smartphones .

Had they not sacrificed, you would not have gain. 

Had they not! You would not. 

May we continue to love our parents all the more! 

(Hope you find yourself related in some areas..!) 

_Vizo Seyie

Meraki

We love to do things beyond the so called simplicity. Technical, complex, intricate or obscure things are our closest friends. Yet, when we embrace them and expose it to the world some assumes it as a parade.Conversely, it is what we love to treasure and enjoy doing it. We find pleasure. It exhilarates our inner being and gives us the resilience to press on.
It is love that makes us do technical stuff and not a talent to expose to receive the applause of  vain glory.
Should we call a singer who always sings even in an untimely manner a smug?
Should we call a musician who plays instruments whenever he sees one a brag?
Or should we say it is love that propels them to go all out?
I believe we cannot stop a preacher from preaching even in the absence of a podium. It is his love for God, his love for soul which enables the person to forge ahead.
Today let love move you, not your judgmental thoughts. 

_Vizo Seyie