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Do As I Say, Not As I Do.

March 18, 2025

Isaiah 1:2-4, 16-20 |  Matthew 23:1-12 | Psalm 50:7-15,22-24

Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach.”

My dad often said the words of my title, usually with a twinkle in his eye, for he well understood that his actions did not always match his teaching – especially when he was behind the wheel of his car. His understanding of the mismatch, among other things, distinguished him from the Pharisees of Matthew’s Gospel. The Pharisees seemed to believe that their position elevated them above not only the people, but also the rules which governed their lives. If they taught the right words, they were fulfilling their roles, and their actions did not matter.

On the other hand, “Actions speak louder than words.” (a sentence common enough to be completed by my IPad). I suspect this is what prompted Jesus’ admonition. We need both words and actions, for both have immense power. 

Beyond the beginning Word, think of the words of your favorite orators, or your most memorable teacher. Consider the power of words that have changed lives, societies, and the course of nations. Consider words that comfort or heal. Consider words that move you to tears or to anger or to laughter. Consider words that compel you to learn more. Consider words of temptation that urge you to abandon your values. Consider words that have no basis in truth, but if repeated enough times, achieve the power to influence. Words are powerful!

If we need further proof, we need but look at current efforts to eliminate DEI from our culture by eliminating certain words from federal agencies. We do not need to stretch our imaginations to recognize how close this comes to the thinking behind the Nazi concept of the Master Race. (It is also worth noticing the Latin word for God. If we eliminate DEI, do we also eliminate God?)

The word or Word, is the beginning, but the word must be followed by action. Jesus said, “Do what they teach you and follow it…” We have all heard of  “empty words”, those not followed by actions. It’s easy to say the right words; it’s a  lot harder to follow those words with actions: a point I hardly need to make to the people of St. Luke’s who so generously turn their words into actions. Without action, the words become meaningless. And actions do indeed speak louder than words. 

Do as I say, not as I do. How beautiful it would be if we did not have to make that statement!

I’ll end with two quotes from Ghandi:

“Carefully watch your thoughts, for they become your words. Manage and watch your words, for they will become your actions. Consider and judge your actions, for they have become your habits. Acknowledge and watch your habits, for they shall become your values. Understand and embrace your values, for they become your destiny.”

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony.”

Sally House