Consistent Teaching

Consistent Teaching

"You,  then, who teach others - do you not teach yourself?" (Romans 2:21).

We all need teaching; but, generally speaking, we love to teach - rather than to be taught. We instruct others - but neglect ourselves. This is true of preachers and Bible teachers especially. The language of Paul may be addressed to many of us. "You, then, who teach others - do you not teach yourself?" Let us endeavor for once to be impartial, and look at this point closely, soberly, and seriously.

You teach others to be temperate - but indulge yourself far beyond what nature requires! A variety of fine dishes must be provided, and, if positive gluttony is avoided - conscience has learned to be silent.

If two invitations are given - one to plain and poor meal, where the spare time will be taken up in prayer and godly conversation; and another to a sumptuous table, where gossip and entertainment will engage the attention - which will be preferred? "You, then, who teach others - do you not teach yourself?"

You teach others self-denial - but do not practice the same yourself. Others are exhorted to make sacrifices - to work for God - to earn, that they may give, to give even out of their poverty. But the teacher is paid for all that he does, and gives litle or nothing. Not a journey does he take - without some remuneration; not a sacrifice does he make, not a power does he overtax. He talks freely, urges warmly, illustrates eloquently, argues fervently; but he is ranked among some whom our Lord addressed, "They do not practice what they preach." Reader, is this at all like you? "You then, who teach others - do you not teach yourself?"

You teach others to be humble; but is humility your characteristic? A proud man in the pulpit preaching humility - what an anomaly! And yet there are such things. They talk about humility; but their general bearing, their conduct towards others, their evident self-importance - proves that they are not humble. They appear to say, "Others should be humble - yet I may be proud. Others should be meek - yet I may be haughty. Others should submit - yet I may resent. Others should forbear - yet I may avenge myself." Or, "Do as I say - not as I do." CAn this be right? How must it appear in the eyes of God?

Preacher, teacher, professor - are you proud? Is there the proud look? The haughty manner? The contemptuous sneer? The cold, distant, self-important bearing? Can this be approved by God. Will this pass the scrutny of the Most High? Will the Holy Spirit fill your heart, or consecrate your body as His temple? Is it any wonder that you meet with no success? "You, then, who teach others - do you not teach yourself?"

You teach activity for God and immortal souls; but relaxation, the parlor, the worthless book, or some vain entertainment - occupies your time and attention. Others should visit the sick, relieve the poor, warn the rebellious, expostulate with the backslider, and carry the gospel to every creature. But you have not the tact, the talent, the time. The slothful man says, "There's a lion in the streets! If I go outside, I might be killed!" No, no! It is laziness, it is sloth and the love of ease in the heart. Be active yourself, or say nothing about it. Never blame others, unless you set them the example. "You, then, who teach others - do you not teach yourself?"

You teach, if may be, close walking with God; but, like Peter, you follow afar off yourself. What! Is it good for others to get near to God, to live as under His eye, to speak always as within His hearing, and to endeavor to commend themselves to Him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator - and can it be well for you to live at a distance, to forget His presence, to speak as if He heard you not, and to walk as though He regarded not your conduct?

Many talk of close walking - but know but little about it. Alas! the frivolous conversation, the worldly spirit, the careless manner, and the lack of conformity to God - tell a tale which cannot be well misunderstood! You, then, who teach others - do you not teach yourself?"

Dear brethren, this subject requires the most solemn and serious consideration. How can we teach others consistently - if we do not teach ourselves, so as to practice what we teach?

How can we reprove other - if we take as much or more for ourselves. How can we urge others to be meek and lamb-like - if we are passionate and roar like a lion?

In a word, how can we reprove any sin - if we ourselves indulge in it? How can we urge the attainment of any excellence - if we disregard it ourselves? How can we be of much use, either to the world or the church - unless we ourselves live up to our profession?

"You, then, who teach others - do you not teach yourself?"

Holy Spirit! come down in all the fullness of Your power upon all our pastors, preachers, and teachers - and so sanctify, influence, and transform us - that we may teach what is truth, and practice what we teach; and conform our lives to our profession - for the dear Redeemer's sake. Amen

~James Smith~

(The End)