“Do as I say, not as I do.” Read 1 Corinthians 11:1-2. Perhaps you've heard a parent or an adult speak the famous, “Do as I say, not as I do” line. As a child, my first memory hearing these words was from an adult who lit a cigarette and began smoking. In the 1960’s, smoking was very popular. It was before the days of “smoke-free” public places. It was even before the days when you went to a restaurant and were asked by the waitress, “Smoking or non-smoking.” Ash trays were on every table. Smoking was allowed inside hospital rooms, even by patients. The Surgeon General released a report in 1964 that smoking was a health hazard. Most adults lit up freely with no regard for the people around them. Yet a man, whose name I do not remember, had the presence of mind to tell me, “Do as I say, not as I do.” It was the second-best thing he could do to convince me that smoking was not something I should do. The best thing he could have done was lead by example and stop smoking. His example would have been more powerful than his words. As followers of Jesus, we must be mindful that we lead by example. Our motto should be, “Do as Jesus said, and do as Jesus did.” If we are living out our faith by doing what Jesus did, we can change the old refrain to, “Do as I say and do as I do.” Or better, take the words of Paul, “Follow me as I follow Christ.” We are not the example. Jesus is the example. If we are following the example of Jesus then others can follow the example we model.



Holy God, by the power of the Holy Spirit, help us to live out the gospel by doing what Jesus did. Forgive us when we fall short of following the model of Jesus. Help us to be more like Jesus each day so that others may see our actions and follow Jesus also. Amen.