Practicing what is preached

As I've been going through the stored boxes of my late father's Sunday sermons, I have found that a number of them had been repeatedly used over the decades, updated and adapted for different congregations. It reminded me of a story he had told me of how, at the conclusion of one particular service, a regular attender had quipped to him, 'We've heard that one before!' With his usual gentle challenge, and I guess a twinkle in his eye, dad apparently responded, 'Ah, but have you put it into practice?'

And that's the question for us all to ponder. In the book of James in the Bible, we are reminded to be doers of the word not hearers only. We're not to just listen, but also obey God's word and blessing will then follow. As with looking in a mirror and forgetting what we look like, it's senseless if we hear God's word, but then we don't do anything.

And a short poem from my book, Touching the Space Between. This is based on Jesus' miracle of turning water into wine.

Do what Jesus asks

It didn't need a miracle

to do what I was asked.

I simply filled the water jars

and you transformed the task.

It doesn't need a miracle

to follow where you lead

to listen to your words of life

and care for those in need.

But in the bustle of my day

I miss what I could do.

In grace you plead with me once more

“Will you love as I love you?”

Copyright Hilary Allen from Touching the space Between