Why do so many Christians fail the “practice what you preach” standard?
Introduction
The Bible teaches that Christians should live according to the truths and principles found in God’s Word. However, many Christians struggle to fully apply biblical teachings to their lives. This article will examine 9 reasons why Christians often fail to meet the “practice what you preach” standard.
1. Hypocrisy and Legalism
One of the biggest reasons Christians fail is that they can be hypocritical and legalistic. Jesus strongly condemned religious hypocrites who imposed strict rules on others without obeying them themselves (Matthew 23:1-4). Legalism involves focusing on external adherence to rules while neglecting matters of the heart. Christians must guard against legalism and hypocrisy by ensuring they apply biblical principles first to their own lives before instructing others (Matthew 7:1-5).
2. Struggles with Sin
Christians still struggle with sin while living in a fallen world (1 John 1:8). Believers aim to obey Christ but sometimes give in to temptation and fail to live up to God’s standards. As long as Christians remain in this world, they will grapple between their new holy nature in Christ and the pull towards sin (Galatians 5:16-17). Sanctification is a lifelong process. Maturing as a Christian involves regularly confessing and repenting from sin through God’s empowering grace.
3. Lack of Accountability
Christians who isolate themselves from other believers can easily hide their shortcomings. Without accountability, it’s tempting to be hypocritical and ignore one’s own flaws. Christians need accountability partners who will lovingly challenge blind spots and provide encouragement (Proverbs 27:17; James 5:16). Accountability helps believers walk worthy of their calling in Christ (Ephesians 4:1).
4. Ignorance of Biblical Teachings
Some Christians simply lack knowledge of biblical principles. Scriptural illiteracy leads to unintentional disobedience. For example, believers may genuinley want to honor the Sabbath but don’t know the Bible encourages rest, worship, and doing good on this day (Isaiah 58:13-14). Increased biblical literacy is key to living out God’s Word. Christians must study the Bible comprehensively to know God’s will (2 Timothy 2:15; Psalm 119:105).
5. Unrealistic Expectations
Young or immature Christians may place unrealistic expectations on themselves. When they inevitably fail to perfectly obey Christ overnight, they become discouraged and disillusioned. Sanctification is a gradual process of growing in holiness. Christians must remember that God isn’t finished with them yet and will keep molding them to reflect Jesus (Philippians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24). Having grace-filled yet realistic expectations helps avoid frustration.
6. Misplaced Priorities
It’s easy for Christians to profess biblical principles while neglecting the most important ones. For example, believers may strictly observe religious rituals yet neglect more significant matters like justice, mercy and faith (Matthew 23:23). Christians must frequently re-assess their priorities against Scripture to ensure obedience in weightier matters.
7. Lack of Empowerment
Trying to obey God in one’s own strength leads to failure and burnout. Christians cannot live the Christian life apart from the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Believers must continually depend on the Spirit to produce His fruit in them (Galatians 5:22-23). Only through the enablement of the Holy Spirit can Christians walk faithfully with Christ (Romans 8:13-14).
8. Doubting God’s Grace
Some Christians fall into defeatism because they doubt the sufficiency of God’s grace. They wrongly believe if they fail, God will abandon them. However, the Bible assures believers that God’s grace can cover any sin and offers hope for repentant failures (Romans 5:20; Hebrews 4:14-16). Resting in God’s unconditional grace provides strength to get back up and obey.
9. Lack of Faith and Prayer
Prayerlessness leads to spiritual weakness. Failing to draw near to God daily in dependent faith hinders victorious Christian living. Believers who neglect cultivating their relationship with Christ will inevitably drift from obedient living. Consistently praying in faith is a vital lifeline enabling Christians to truly practice God’s Word (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Conclusion
In summary, Christians can fail to consistently practice biblical principles for many reasons like hypocrisy, ongoing sin struggles, lack of accountability, ignorance of the Bible, unrealistic expectations, misplaced priorities, insufficient empowerment of the Spirit, doubting grace, and neglecting faith and prayer.
But by God’s grace, Christians can increasingly grow in sincerely living out the teachings of Scripture. As believers rely on the power of the Holy Spirit and God’s Word, they can make steady progress in their journey towards Christlike maturity and obedience. Ultimately, Christians live under God’s unconditional grace and can press on towards obedience, even when they stumble and fall.