When some people give directions, they confuse more than clarify. They may backtrack occasionally or correct themselves, but leave you unsure of where they went back to in their directions. Or they may use terms unfamiliar to you. One time I was driving in Chicago and listening on the radio to the traffic conditions. They were using the proper names of the highways, like “the Dan Ryan Expressway. But I did not know the names and the signs only gave the highway numbers, without names, so their warnings about traffic were lost to me, because I couldn’t understand their terms.
We can also cause confusion and distrust in what we say, by using unfamiliar terms. But more importantly we can cause people to reject our message by not matching our behavior with our beliefs. Our behavior is a truer test of the truth and validity of our message. If we say “Do not lie”, but often lie ourselves, people will begin to reject this and other messages from us.
Jesus criticized the religious leaders of His day by saying, “so practice and observe whatever they tell you, but not what they do. For they preach, but do not practice.” God calls us to love Him and return that love in obedience. Only when we are transformed by His love, will we be able to speak and do what we truly believe. Let God’s Spirit transform your heart and align your actions with His Word.
Reluctant Retiree 