Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews‬ ‭13:7-8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

As leaders in the church, we’re often guilty of an innocent form of hypocrisy. Let me rephrase as not to offend. We often don’t practice what we preach. Or, we avoid preaching the subjects we have difficulty practicing.

I was held to account when reading the referenced passage. My words AND my life should represent Jesus. It’s really the “proof in the pudding”. I’m not trying to reduce Jesus to a peddler of merchandise but it’s only when the product is great that a business really takes off. People need to see evidence of the proclaimed benefits in order to want to adopt it as part of their lives.

From the opposite perspective, people should only submit themselves to teaching that’s reinforced by a life of worship. The last phrase says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” Meaning, his precepts, lessons and values don’t change and should be reproduced in any proponent of His message. If the fruits of the Spirit aren’t evident in your leader, you may be learning the wrong path.