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The question proposed in the title of this article is not aimed primarily at the gospel preacher but at every member! Have you ever considered how many times you “preach” a message? Let me offer a few examples. You preach a message of good cheer every time you speak to a stranger who is attending our services and make that person feel welcome. When you sing praises to God with your voice and honor him with the “fruit of your lips,” you are preaching a sermon to all those around you. Like most everybody else, I can hear the voices of those good Christians who sit near me during our song service. They may not know it, but their voices bring encouragement and joy to my heart. When a man offers a public prayer to God, a strong message is being proclaimed through his lips. I listen attentively to the words of the one leading us in public prayer every time we enter into that special time of praying together.
When you attend Bible class and do nothing more that sit and listen, you are nevertheless preaching a powerful message. I appreciate so much every person who comes to a class and offers their support to the one who has taken the time to prepare a lesson. Such people also show their love and respect for God’s Word by their attendance. And, of course, the one presenting the lesson preaches a great “sermon” to those who sit in class and listen. Teachers always have been and always will be an important part of the growth of any congregation. And when you give of your means, your actions “speak” loud and clear, your message is a message of love for God’s Kingdom.
You preach a message of hope every time you reverently partake of the Lord’s Supper. You are being watched by other members as well as your children and grandchildren. You demonstrate your faith in the Lord’s death and also in His promise to return (1 Corinthians 11:26). You preach a message of love every time you smile, say hello, introduce yourself to guests, and invite them to return. Many important messages are preached before and after the preacher stands in the pulpit. When this happens, the preacher’s message will be much better received. Preach a good message at the next assembly!
Milton Smith
via Hooker church of Christ
Hooker,OK