I must practice what I preach

Good morning everyone,

Our theme for this month: “Selfcare”

Our Bible verse for today: “So I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air. Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:26-27 (CSB)

Our thought for today: “I must practice what I preach”

Most of us are better at giving advice than receiving it, and we are better at telling others what they should do rather than doing that same thing ourselves. Preachers and writers are sometimes guilty of that too. If we’re not careful, we can become very good at telling others what they should do while excusing ourselves for not doing that thing.

That’s what the Apostle Paul was writing about in 1 Corinthians 9:26-27. He was referring to his own life as a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. In the letter of 1 Corinthians Paul had really been giving the Corinthian Christians a stern talking-to. He was setting them straight regarding many important issues. In 9:26-27 he paused to reassure them that he himself does the things he was urging them to do. Essentially, he said, “I practice what I preach.”

I need to do that too. All this month I have been writing about the importance of good selfcare. While I’ve been doing that, I have also had a very full schedule of regular ministry activities; while at the same time preparing to get married this Sunday (in a small private ceremony); and I traveled to Nashville to pick-up family who flew-in for the wedding and who are now visiting; while I have also been moving into a new home. It has all been good, but exhausting.

So, I’m going to give myself a break. Today will be the last new daily devotional message until Monday July 7^th. Aimee and I will be going on our honeymoon in October after our big “family and friends” wedding on October 18^th, but this coming week we will be settling into our new home together. So, I won’t be attempting to write these daily devotional messages during that time. Instead, each morning for the next week I will resend one of the most well-received devotionals from the past month.

There’s still a lot more for us to consider regarding the subject of good selfcare and so, we will continue that discussion throughout July beginning again on July 7^th. Between now and then, I encourage you to review some of the devotional messages from this past month. And please, be sure to practice good selfcare.

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00 – in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

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