As a pastor I spend a lot of time studying particular verses or subjects so I can preach with the full assurance that I know it is true. But, then comes the test! I must confess, I don’t always practice what I preach–nor does anyone. Knowing is one thing, experience is another. Sometimes we are assured in our heart that we have the facts straight, but when we are put to the test we crash and burn.
We all have times when, just about the time we think we have our act together, or resolve to do better, or think we have learned our lesson, we are put to the test and we fail. For example. Knowing Romans 8:28 is true doesn’t mean I will allow it to comfort me when things get up-close and personal. Believing God won’t put more on me than I’m able to bear doesn’t mean I won’t collapse under the load. Knowing God answers prayer doesn’t mean I will pray. Knowing Christ will return doesn’t mean I am looking for Him. Singing “Victory in Jesus” doesn’t mean I’m never defeated.
The point is–we need to bring our level of living, our practice, up to our profession. We need to do more than proclaim the truth, we need to walk the talk. Life is terribly tough and we are in constant desperate need of God’s help. We need to be reminded that we often fail because we think we won’t. While we all know it is possible –we see others fall, we don’t think we will. That is why Paul gave this warning—“Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.“(1 Cor. 10:12). Remember, “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” ( Prov. 16:18). We are safe only to the extent that we see the danger and are humble enough to admit our weakness and need of God’s help. None of us are perfect, but all of us could do better.
