while today

“I would rather see a sermon than hear one.”

I have heard this statement many times in various forms.  I can agree with the sentiment expressed.  It is very important that we live out the gospel—not just saying the right things but living in a right way.  A life lived for God shows the beauty of Jesus to those around us.

But we must remember that being a “living sermon” is not the entirety of the church’s responsibility.  The word must also be spoken.  As the angel said to Cornelius in Acts chapter 11, “Send to Joppa and have Simon, who is also called Peter, brought here; and he will speak words to you by which you will be saved, you and all your household.” (Acts 11:13b-14 NASB95) Peter was going to speak words that would save Cornelius and his household.  If anyone is going to be saved, they must hear the words of the gospel of Christ.  They must hear who Jesus is.  They must hear the words about Jesus dying and being raised for us.  They must hear what to do to accept His gracious offer of forgiveness of sin.

I do encourage you to continue to be a living sermon.  I encourage you to continue living a life that adorns the doctrine of God (Titus 2:10).  I encourage you to continue walking in wisdom toward outsiders, letting your speech around them be with grace (Colossians 4:5-6), and while you do these things, be looking for open doors to also speak the word of God. 

It’s very interesting to me that God, if He wanted, could announce the saving message to the lost through angels or through personal visions or dreams, but He has not seen fit to do so.  We see over and over again in the scriptures that God sends people (like you and me) to speak the words that lead to salvation. 

Are there people in your life that need to hear the message?  Perhaps they have seen your way of life and felt your love and concern for them.  And perhaps because of that, their heart is ready to hear.  May God prepare you and direct you to those who need to hear the words by which they can be saved. 

—Scott Colvin