Another harmful practice that can be added to the list, and one that has seriously affected the Lord’s church, is that of preachers who do not practice what they preach. Throughout the centuries, this inconsistency between teaching and conduct has caused stumbling, discouragement, and a loss of credibility both within and outside the church. God has always expected those who proclaim His Word to be examples worthy of imitation.

The Bible clearly exhorts preachers and teachers to live in harmony with the message they proclaim. The apostle Paul urged Timothy to be “an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12, NKJV). He later added, “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (1 Tim. 4:16, NKJV). Notice that Paul first mentions the preacher’s life (“take heed to yourself”) and then his teaching (“and to the doctrine”), indicating that the two are inseparable.

Likewise, Titus was exhorted to present himself “in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned” (Titus 2:6–8, NKJV). A preacher must not only communicate sound doctrine correctly but also adorn it with a holy life (Titus 2:10). His actions should confirm the truthfulness of the message he proclaims.

Someone once said, “I would rather see a sermon than hear one.” Although this statement is not inspired, it conveys a profound truth: people carefully observe the preacher’s life before accepting his message. Personal example is one of the most powerful sermons a servant of God can preach.

Our supreme example is Jesus Christ. Luke wrote concerning “all that Jesus began both to do and teach” (Acts 1:1, NKJV). The order of those words is not accidental. Jesus first did and then taught. There was never any contradiction between His words and His conduct. He could challenge His opponents by asking, “Which of you convicts Me of sin?” (John 8:46, NKJV). His life perfectly supported His teaching.

In the Old Testament we find another outstanding example in Ezra. Scripture declares that “Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel” (Ezra 7:10, NKJV). Here again, the order is significant: first he studied God’s Word, then he practiced it, and finally he taught it to the people. This continues to be the divine model for every preacher of the gospel.

Sadly, some preachers focus on exhorting others while failing to practice what they preach themselves. Such an attitude should never characterize a servant of God. Jesus strongly condemned the scribes and Pharisees because “they say, and do not do” (Matt. 23:3, NKJV). Religious hypocrisy has always been offensive to God because it discredits the truth and drives people away from the gospel.

The church can clearly recognize when a preacher contradicts himself by failing to live according to God’s will. Although the truth remains true regardless of the character of the messenger, a preacher’s lack of integrity produces unfortunate consequences for the Lord’s work. How can the church be affected?

(1) The church may become discouraged. Although Christians are to fix their eyes on Christ (Heb. 12:1–2), the poor example of a preacher can discourage believers, especially those who are weak in the faith. Instead of strengthening the members, he may become a stumbling block (Rom. 14:13).

(2) Non-Christians may reject the gospel. Many people evaluate Christianity by observing the conduct of those who preach it. When they encounter hypocrisy, they wrongly conclude that the gospel lacks transforming power. As a result, the name of God is blasphemed among unbelievers (Rom. 2:21–24).

(3) The preacher’s credibility is seriously damaged. When there is an obvious contradiction between the preacher’s message and his life, his exhortations lose moral authority. The congregation’s trust diminishes, and his spiritual influence is weakened (Titus 2:7–8).

(4) There is the danger of unfair generalization. Some people conclude that all preachers are the same, thereby discrediting faithful men who sincerely and honorably serve the Lord.

(5) A bad example may become an excuse for sin. Some justify their own disobedience by saying, “If the preacher does it, why shouldn’t I?” Although each person will give an account of himself before God (Rom. 14:12), bad examples can negatively influence others (Matt. 18:6–7).

(6) The reputation of the church is harmed. A preacher’s conduct is often associated with the entire congregation. Therefore, an inconsistent life can damage the church’s good reputation in the community and diminish its influence for good (2 Cor. 6:3).

(7) Evangelistic efforts are weakened. It is much more difficult to convince others of the truth when the one proclaiming it does not live according to it. Effective evangelism requires both faithful proclamation and an honorable testimony (Matt. 5:16; Phil. 2:15).

(8) Weaker Christians may fall away from the Lord. Some immature believers place too much confidence in men. When a preacher experiences moral failure, their faith may be shaken, and in some cases they may abandon the congregation. This highlights the tremendous responsibility borne by those who teach God’s Word (James 3:1).

(9) The name of Christ is dishonored. A preacher publicly represents the cause of Christ. When he lives in contradiction to the gospel, the Lord’s name is disgraced, and the glory that belongs to God is diminished (Col. 3:17; Titus 2:10).

Every preacher should strive to be an example of integrity, faithfulness, humility, purity, consistency, and perseverance before all who observe his life. He should be able to say, as the apostle Paul did, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1, NKJV). The goal is not to attain absolute perfection but to live a life characterized by repentance, obedience, and a sincere determination to please God in all things.

The preacher’s light must shine before men so that, seeing his good works, they may glorify the Father who is in heaven (Matt. 5:16). The church needs men who not only know how to preach sermons but who also live them every day. When the message proclaimed and the preacher’s life are in perfect harmony, the church is strengthened, believers are edified, unbelievers are impacted, and God receives all the glory.