Our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. 1Thess 1:5
Ever heard someone tell you to believe something or do something that they don't practice themselves? Maybe you have done that as well?
Parenting kids can commonly expose these issues. With us, it was most obvious when sarcasm came out of our daughter's mouth ... and we quickly realized telling her to stop being sarcastic was just words. She was only doing what we as parents were also doing. For it to stop, we had to set the example. Telling her to quit was only words---she needed to see that we practiced it too.
Words do not have much power until they are backed by example. When we say words, they come out I our mouth, but when we share our example in words AND action, it becomes a message out of our hearts. And with those words comes power.
The power of God is not in the words on the paper of our Bibles, but in the perfect example He modeled for us both in His creation and in His son. God didn't just give us words--He have us a message. And that message has great power...because it targets our heart, not just our head. That's why the Bible is so living an active---it's the message of God, not just words.
Words backed by example are powerful. The Gospel is Jesus' love backed up by his example & His actions. It is a message, not just words.
Parents---don't give your kids your words, share a message. Leaders---don't boss your employees with rules, set for them the message of your example.
Let your message speak louder than your words.
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