On the Facebook page Mindful Christianity, there is a graphic of a man holding an umbrella for a woman walking in the rain, with this caption:
The world is changed less
by what we argue—and
more by the kindness
we quietly live.
The post contained this succinct thought, followed by a familiar passage from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount:
“Opinions may be loud, but example is persuasive. A patient response, an honest apology, or an act of courage can teach what words alone never will. Let your life embody the change you hope to see.”
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).
This post and Jesus’ pronouncement remind us of the power of influence and the importance of practicing what we profess.
It speaks to much of what is contained in Jesus’ timeless message recorded in Matthew 5–7—righteous living reflected in our attitudes, actions, and practical daily interactions with others.
The power of our example has been echoed by many writers and thinkers through the years. Albert Schweitzer is often credited with saying, “Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing.”
Since Jesus is “the light of the world,” we shine most brightly when we follow His example, conform to His image, and walk in His steps.
The apostle Peter put it this way: “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps” (1 Pet. 2:21).
In his two short but powerful epistles, Peter offers nearly twenty exhortations describing what we should—and should not—be as followers of Jesus.
Regarding our character, Peter commands us to be sober-minded, holy, tenderhearted, courteous, humble, and godly.
In our relationships, we are to be submissive, hospitable, and of one mind.
Regarding our conduct, Peter exhorts us to be ready to give a defense, serious, watchful, diligent, mindful, and glad with exceeding joy. We are not to be afraid, ashamed, troubled, barren, or unfruitful.
If those are not enough to keep you busy for a while, Peter also exhorts us to be “partakers of the divine nature” and to be “clothed with humility.”
These “Be” exhortations speak to a Christianity of the inward person, but they cannot remain hidden. Character becomes conduct. Faith becomes action. Our light shines through the way we live at home, behave at work, serve in the church, and treat people in the community.
Neither the Mindful Christianity post nor ThePreachersWord denies the importance of preaching, teaching, reasoning, and contending for the faith. But arguments are most persuasive when supported by a godly life. Every day, every Christian preaches a sermon through the way he or she lives.
The poet Edgar A. Guest once penned a poem entitled “Sermons We See” that echoes this truth and leaves us with a stirring challenge:
I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day;
I’d rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way.
The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear;
Fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear;
And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,
For to see good put in action is what everybody needs.
So, what kind of sermon will others see in us today?
—Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
ThePreachersWord 