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