Word and Deed

There is a saying among Christians, "Preach the Gospel at all times; when necessary, use words." That is attributed at times to St. Francis Assisi (though it probably wasn't him). Perhaps you've heard it said another more popular way, "Preach the Word, if necessary, use words." This is a common enough exhortation and platitude given to Christians in warning of talking about the Bible or Gospel too much, instead of living it. A warning to hypocrites. Truly though, on closer inspection, the statement falls apart. To quote Mark Galli in the above hyperlinked article, "Preach the gospel—use actions when necessary; use words always." That is his proposed statement that is better, in his eyes. He also quotes Justin Tayler who said, "the Good News can no more be communicated by deeds than can the nightly news." While he rips this phrase apart in the article for such things as its "postmodern assumption," I think he is being a little unfair. If perhaps you thought that this quote was meant to be the end-all word on the matter, then yes he would be right. However, what this statement is trying to express, for it was perhaps ripped out of a revealing context, is that we are to be living sermons. Edward Guest wrote similarly in a poem:

 

Sermons We See

 

"I'd rather see a sermon
than hear one any day;
I'd rather one should walk with me
than merely tell the way.
The eye's a better pupil
and more willing than the ear,
Fine counsel is confusing,
but example's always clear;
And the best of all preachers
are the men who live their creeds,
For to see good put in action
is what everybody needs.

I soon can learn to do it
if you'll let me see it done;
I can watch your hands in action,
but your tongue too fast may run.
And the lecture you deliver
may be very wise and true,
But I'd rather get my lessons
by observing what you do;
For I might misunderstand you
and the high advice you give,
But there's no misunderstanding
how you act and how you live."

 

I disagree with both of the above authors, we are called to speak and do. I joyfully concede that the Gospel is meant to be proclaimed. However, the more known saying "Preach the Word, if necessary, use words" moves a bit away from the above authors, and others, problems with the more original form. This form, perhaps, by replacing the word 'Gospel' with 'Word' better conveys the point that we are to be living sermons and escapes the bad misreading that we are to put proclaiming on the backburner to serving. There is obviously no place for that, it is an overly critical reading of the quote. So I prefer that form of the saying, though admittedly, it still has its difficulties. However, the point of it is clear: the Christian's life is to be a testimony in both word and deed - the quote hitting on the side we perhaps falter on more. We must remember the damage that a hypocritical life can do, and as the quote and poem remind us, our actions are much more telling than our words. Proclaiming and speaking the Gospel to one who is a friend, particularly one won through your Christ-like character in daily living, is obviously preferable and will be taken more seriously by the person who can with firsthand knowledge see it's power in your life.

 

Soli Deo gloria,

 - The Reader