I hear from those in positions of power to “Do as I Say, not as I do”. Now, is that really the way things should be presented to others? I find it hard to swallow that it is ok for some to do as they wish without responsibility while lording over others to do the right thing and follow the rules.
“7Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. 8This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” – Joshua 1:7-8 (ESV)
See the verses above where God is speaking with Joshua who had just taken over for Moses after his death. In this passage that begins in verse 1, God is giving Joshua instructions on how to carry himself as he leads the people of Israel into the promised land. The verses I have quoted above indicate how Joshua is to act with regard to the law, with full obedience I might add.
Now, yes, during this time, there was the book of the law, the Torah, where everything was spelled out. But, the spirit of the instructions that God was giving Joshua at this time are what I am referencing this morning. You see, God was telling Joshua to lead the people through his actions and not must through his words. No “do as I say” actions would be acceptable. Joshua was instructed to lead with more of a “do as I do” philosophy. He was to live his life according to the law of God and thereby he would not be asking the people to do something that he himself did not or was not willing to do himself.
For me, God wants me to live my life according to His plan. That plan cannot be carried out properly if I am not in tune with doing things according to His law. Thankfully, God’s law supersedes all other law. I know what you may be thinking, that we still have the law of man, and you are right. But, when we are in tune with God’s law, that will put us in tune with the law of man. If for some reason there is a conflict between the two, God’s law is where we should be focusing our attention as that is where we will make the most impact of the people around us.
It is hard to follow the law of God as there are so many opportunities to “get ahead” in the eyes of man by simply bending the rules. But doing so takes us away from the tasks that God has planned for us. So, be strong and courageous to adhere to the law of God as you make your way through this world.
Have you been involved with or been the one that says “do as I say, not as I do”? How did it feel to be on the receiving end of those directives? What if we were strong and courageous enough to take the approach of “do as I do” and make sure that is in line with the law of God?
Trevor's Thoughts 