Have you noticed something universal about humans?
We love to correct other people.
We are quick to highlight someone else’s mistake and share our solicited (and often unsolicited) advice. In those moments, we play the sage; the voice of wisdom who knows the right way forward.
But if we’re honest, there’s an intriguing reality:
We don’t always practice what we preach.
I wish I could say I was the exception here, but I’m not. Many times I’ve given someone sound biblical advice, only to catch myself doing the very thing I warned them against. It’s humbling, and sometimes embarrassing. But it’s also very human.
Why does this happen? Let me share a few reasons.
1. We Believe We Are the Exception
“It’s not the same thing. She is a worship leader. She should know better.”
Have you ever thought this way? I know I have. It’s so easy to highlight why their situation demands higher standards, while downplaying our own shortcomings. We convince ourselves that our circumstances are different. We explain away our failings with context, background, or stress.
But scripture is clear: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). There are no exceptions.
2. We Make Excuses
Sometimes we flat-out justify our actions. “I only snapped because I was tired.” “I didn’t forgive her because she hasn’t apologized yet.”
Excuses feel comforting because they shift the responsibility off our shoulders. But they also keep us from growth. Proverbs 26:13 describes this so well: “The sluggard says, ‘There’s a lion in the road!’” If we stay on the path of excuses, we will always have a reason, always an explanation, but never action(or real change).
3. We Are More Lenient With Ourselves
Isn’t it funny how someone else’s lateness means they are irresponsible, but our lateness is because of “traffic”? Or how someone else’s gossip is sinful, but our “venting” is just processing?
Jesus pointed this out in Matthew 7:3: “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own?” We naturally minimize our flaws while magnifying others’.
4. Pride Gets in the Way
Sometimes we don’t practice what we preach simply because we don’t want to admit we’re wrong. Pride convinces us we are the exception, or that changing is beneath us.
But James 4:6 reminds us:
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Grace flows when we lay pride down and admit, “Lord, I need help living the very truth I speak.”
Humility will always be the preferred way to live your life.
So, What Do We Do?
First, we resist the urge to condemn ourselves. God isn’t asking for perfection, He’s asking for humility and honesty.
Second, we invite the Holy Spirit to convict us. Whenever we notice a gap between our words and actions, that’s not a sign of failure, it’s an invitation to growth.
Finally, we commit to practicing what we preach. Not in our strength, but in God’s.
Philippians 2:13 says,
“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”
Reflection
Do you find yourself giving good advice that you struggle to live by? Do you secretly believe your circumstances are the “exception”?
The next time you’re tempted to point out someone else’s flaw, pause and ask: Am I living this truth myself?
If not, that’s your cue to go back to God, receive His grace, and ask Him to align your life with His Word. Ask Him to help you see others as He does, because this not only stop unfair judgement, but ehlps you extend grace.
Because the most powerful sermons aren’t preached with words, they’re preached with lives lived in obedience.
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