Friday, May 9, 2014

So Many Questions...

Are we seasoned with salt?  Does our vine have leaves of grace? Do we practice what we preach or do we preach what we don’t practice? 

HMMMM……. Thinking we have all the answers, placing ourselves in a position of leadership over others because we believe what we are “called” to do, preaching/teaching while behind a facade that gives other people a false idea of our true feelings or situation,  “do we practice what we preach or do we preach what we practice”?  It sounds nearly the same but it’s not. There is a difference.   In all reality the question should be: How can we preach what we don’t practice?

Is our witness for Christ a counterargument for our own actions?  Are we practicing what we preach or claiming to live our lives according to the Word of God without the heart and deeds that follow?  Or, does what we preach show duplicity in our life because it is not what we practice? (saying one thing and doing another is hypocrisy).  Can we afford to be a hypocrite?  It is almost impossible to get others to do what we aren’t willing to do.  Truly, this is not a leader.  Preaching what we practice speaks volumes before we even say a word.  Who we are, what we do speaks volumes about our character.  If we claim to have Christ as Lord of our life, if we claim to follow Jesus, if we claim we are a “Christian” we should be asking ourselves what our life preaches.  Is it consistent with the Word of God?  Is it consistent period, or do we have one face for one person and another face for another.  Preaching what we practice is really a testimony to celebrate what God does through our life.  Preaching what we practice is preaching/ teaching with experience behind it.  Preaching what we practice pushes us forward to experience more of God, in order that there is more to preach/teach.
Question for all of us:  Do we resemble the cup washed on the outside but not the inside? Beautiful on the outside but full of hypocrisy on the inside?  Character matters.  Compassion matters.  Do we practice what we preach or do we preach what we practice?

County Zoning Law Could Ban Home Bible Study Says Virginia Man

Carrie Dedrick | Editor, ChristianHeadlines.com 

Fairfax County, Virginia has proposed a new zoning law that one man believes will outlaw the Bible studies held in his home. Matthew Clark argues that the new law violates the First Amendment right of freedom to assemble. 

The zoning law states that regular gatherings 50 people or more cannot meet more than three times in 40 days. 

“These gatherings can create parking, noise and other concerns for the neighborhood,” reads the Fairfax County website. It goes on to explain that occasional parties and gatherings will continue to be permitted, but regular meetings “detract from the residential nature of a neighborhood.”

According to Christian News Network, six Fairfax County residents have filed complaints about large gatherings, but Clark believes those issues could be addressed without issuing a new zoning law. 

“If they park illegally tow the cars. If they cause a noise violation, issue them a warning or citation. If they litter, ticket them. If they trespass or damage property, arrest them. But don’t violate my precious First Amendment rights to prevent something I’m not doing and can easily be remedied in any of the above ways,” Clark wrote. 

County supervisor Pat Herrity also addressed concerns over the proposed law.

“This is yet another instance where we appear to be punishing the many for the actions of the few. I believe the county is risking a lawsuit and/or a Constitution challenge by interfering with peoples’ right to assemble,” she said. 

The county will be holding a public forum to address concerns of residents Wednesday evening.

Be Blessed,
Richard

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