Mr.Bowen was an elderly gentleman, a member of the church I pastored in Wharton. He was almost blind,but still insisted on walking about town. I saw him one day walking the edge of a busy highway. I stopped the car and said, "Get in Mr. Bowen. I will take you home." He crawled into the front seat, and then squinting through his thick glasses, he looked over to me and said, "Who is this?". I laughed and said, "It's the preacher!" and he answered with words I will not forget. He said, "The preacher? You practice what you preach?" I mumbled some half-hearted answer. I knew the truth. I did not and do not always practice what I preach. Read this poem by Edgar A Guest found in "Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations", Bible Communications, Inc.
I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day,
I'd rather one should walk with me than merely show the way.
The eye's a better pupil and more willing than the ear,
Fine counsel is confusing, but example always clear;
And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,
for to see the good in action is what everybody needs.
I can soon learn how to do it if you'll let me see it done,
I can watch your hands in action but your tongue too fast may run.
And the lectures you deliver may be wise and true;
But I'd rather get my lesson from observing what you do.
For I may misunderstand you and the high advice you give,
But there's no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.
OUCH!
