They're Listening with their Eyes (Titus 2:7-8)

Some really bright fellow once said, "Your talk talks and your walk talks, but your walk talks louder than your talk talks." Now that's a mouth full. But, O' is it accurate. Yea, what we say and how we live both speak, but more often than not, how we live speaks a lot louder than what we say. And because of this, people often listen to us with their eyes.

This is why our example is so important; especially for those of us who have spiritual influence on others. For there's probably no quicker way to destroy our ability to effectively persuade people of the spiritual truths of God's word than to live a life of hypocrisy. In other words, failing to live in accordance with sound doctrine short-circuts our ability to reinforce the truthfulness of that doctrine. And so, Paul charges Titus to, "show himself to be an example" -- a charge that must be heeded by us all; especially we Pastors.

Speaking directly to preachers, Dean Shriver in his marvelous book entitled, "Nobody's Perfect, But You Have to Be," says,

"Each Sunday our congregations hear the sermons we preach. The rest of the week they see the sermon we live. If these two sermons don't coincide, it's doubtful the people we minister to will really listen when we preach. More doubtful still is that God will use our preaching to radically transform their lives."

His statement is certainly strong , but I believe he's right. In writing to his other protege in the faith, Paul said, "Pay close attention to yourself and to your doctrine . . . . for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you" (1 Tim. 4:16). The point is clear! Our example is instrumental to our effectiveness in ministry and life.

So, how is your example? Can people hear you with their eyes? What exactly is your life communicating about your doctrine? May it be that as Christians we not only talk the talk, but also walk the walk.