“Be sure that you first preach by the way you live. If you do not, people will notice that you say one thing, but live otherwise, and your words will bring only cynical laughter and a derisive shake of the head.”
— St. Charles Borromeo
Preaching is both gift from God and developed skill taking the best from psychology, sociology, anthropology, history and the real events of life. Preaching is to handle the Word of God with care and much, much prayer. For true preaching, good preaching, does not just entertain, but it entertains so it can get past the barriers we put up against the spiritual world and brings change within the heart.
Often times, preaching is about spiritual warfare sending out information of where the enemy is attacking and providing the spiritual logistics to stand strong in the fight. Other times, preaching is a guide that takes us through a journey into our soul showing us the places which need develop and which ones are strong and steady. Preaching, done correctly, brings us into God’s presence and gives us glimpsed of God’s beauty and love.
This really deserves being said twice,
“Be sure that you first preach by the way you live. If you do not, people will notice that you say one thing, but live otherwise, and your words will bring only cynical laughter and a derisive shake of the head.”
— St. Charles Borromeo