| By Example |
| I came across this old poem I remember from my youth: |
| 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. |
| “Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). |