Do as I say, not as I do

Has someone ever said this to you? "Do as I say, not as I do?" It's a little tidbit of advice that we throw out offhandedly when we want someone to follow our words, not our actions—but I have to believe that even as we say it we realize the problems with this little gem.

Because the person who frequently employs this phrase, we commonly refer to as a hypocrite.

Hypocrisy is something we take very seriously, and yet something that occurs shockingly often in our society.

Perhaps the counterpart to "Do as I say, not as I do" is "Actions speak louder than words." Have you ever seen someone do something contrary to their speech, and thought, "Oh, but they SAID xyz, so I know where they really stand it"? Isn't it rather the other way around: we juxtapose what people say with what they do, and judge them by their actions?

Edmund Burke

"Hypocrisy can afford to be magnificent in its promises; for never intending to go beyond promises; it costs nothing."

We can spot hypocrisy a mile away, and even my only 22 years of experience has taught me that we consider it a great personal affront. It's basic deception at its finest, and the feeling of betrayal descends quickly when you discover you have been duped by words that don't match up with action.

In some ways, I think hypocrisy is the greatest threat to the cause of Christ. While some see the work of murderers and refuse to believe in a God who allows such things, many more people see the hypocrisy of those who claim to be Christians and find reason to give up on the church. How many times have you heard someone say something to that affect? "I would go to church, but it's full of hypocrites."

What a value we place on sincerity!

The Bible addresses hypocrisy, in multitude of locations, like when James explains true faith is based on works:

James 2:15-16

"If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?"

Jesus often referred to the Pharisees as hypocrites when he addressed them, because they would say one thing to the people, but then do something else. In fact, Jesus even employed the idea of "Do as they say, not as they do" in speaking to his followers!

Matthew 23:3-5

"Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do to be seen by men."

This is what I'm talking about when I say hypocrisy is going to ruin the church. People who call themselves Christians, but then fail to practice what they preach, become the standard to say, "Look, the church is full of hypocrites." And we hate the bitter taste that hypocrisy leaves in our mouths. As it's commonly said, if you're gonna talk the talk, you gotta walk the walk!

Talk is cheap. Actions speak louder than words. And to cease being hypocritical and convince others of your sincerity is incredibly difficult, because they will always, always be watching for if you will DO something that conflicts with what you SAID—and the second you do, all your grand words are discounted.

William Hazlitt 

"The only vice that cannot be forgiven is hypocrisy. The repentance of a hypocrite is itself hypocrisy."

You want people to follow you? Then ... Do as you say, and they'll do as you do.

Not as catchy, but I think it'll work.