I'd Rather See A Sermon

I’ve never been to interested in poetry, nor have I used a lot in my teaching and preaching.  However, when I think about being a good witness for God or about being a respectable person, this poem almost always comes to my mind.  It reminds me of my mother who sometimes would say to me, “Steve, people don’t care about what you say as much as they care about what you do.”  Thanks mom!  And now I give you an old old poem by a preacher named Edgar A. Guest…

I'd Rather See A Sermon

Edgar A. Guest           

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.