Do as I Do

"Do as I say, not as I do." Have you ever said this? Is it a bad thing to say?

"Yes and No" would be my reply. Before you judge me to be a "double minded man, unstable in all his ways," let me explain.

It's true that what you do speaks louder than what you say. And it's a Biblical truth hit hard in James and in the gospels that what we do is more important (see James 2:26 and Jesus words in Matt 7:24).

But what I do is usually preceded by what I say. I usually say I'm going to do something before I do it. It's usually preceded by what my friend Brian Fields calls a "quality decision." And that may be preceded by the Holy Spirit's conviction or drawing me into a different relationship or action? But when I've made up my mind to do something differently, it helps me to say to others what I intend to do. I would usually do this to my wife or some close friends.

Hopefully they will love me enough to speak into my life periodically keeping me accountable and motivated to change. This however isn't the main reason I tell others. It's this. I want to be a man of my word, just like my Father God is. Once I say it -I want to and will - make sure I do it. "A man's word is his bond." This challenges me and motivates me to finish the task or action.

Sure it's humbling. It's an admission you're not where your should be in some area or action. So it's a hit to your pride. That's a good thing. "God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace (power, unmerited favor, gifts) to the humble." So I choose to humble myself by doing this - to strike a blow to pride and to cooperate with God in getting the job done. Maybe you don't need the help? I do.

Blessings and Shalom, Dwayne

P.S. Look to hear more about this subject from me and others. Also the about the Holy Spirit, habits or disciplines, and other timely topics.