More is Caught than Taught?

We've all heard the saying, "More is caught than taught." This may in fact be true. Particularly parents come to realize that children pick up so quickly on their practices and responses and mannerisms. It would not be a stretch to say that the time children spend learning from their parents by observing would far outweigh the time children spend learning from their parents by sitting under their direct teaching. Their parents become an example of life. Sadly, the examples we set don't always represent the teaching we deliver.

The Scriptures show that the power of example is particularly potent when our actions do not betray our words. It seems we get this indication when Paul reminds Timothy of the examples in his life. 2 Timothy 1:5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 2 Timothy 3:14-15 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. I'm sure the consistency between the teaching from Lois and Eunice and the example of Lois and Eunice was not perfect, but there does seem to be a synergy in these statements about what they taught and who they were. The potency of example for Timothy was emphasized in its consistency with the teaching.

This is not just a lesson for Christian parents and individuals who seek to be examples for others. This is a lesson for whole churches. In his first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul seeks for this church to know that they have been an example for other churches. 1 Thessalonians 1:7 ...so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. This church was living out a consistent response to the gospel of Christ. Their response to the community around them was in line with their hope of the gospel. They showed a greater joy in Christ in the face of opposition. They lived out their hope in the eternal promises of God and the expectancy of their coming Savior.

This is a huge mirror in the face of churches today. When we think of the example we are setting, we must consider if our example represents a proper response to the gospel of Christ. We can't just do it as individuals, we must do it as whole churches. We need to come along side each other and help each other. The witness of the gospel is at stake.

Leadership of churches must take heed of the direction they point their congregation in response to our world. If we don't both look and sound like Jesus, the congregations we lead may very well follow. Out tactics can sound holy and yet be worldly. We can undermine hope in Christ by being driven by our own desires and circumstances.

Yes indeed, more is caught than taught, but when our response to the gospel matches our teaching of the gospel, the consistency between what is caught and taught becomes crucial to our witness.