To be a Christian

by Oran Rhodes

(Published in the Chesapeake church of Christ Bulletin 9/7/03)

Can I preach what you practice, brother?   

 Or would I be run out of town?

 Can I show you as an example

 For your children to see and mark down?

 Do I dare to repeat in public

 What you said to the boys yesterday?

 Or should I blush and forget the gossip

 You repeated from the girls across the way?

 Would you tolerate an inspection

 With a real microscopic view?

 If not, what do you suppose God thinks

 When he sees all the things that you do?

 If I cannot preach what you practice

 And it be truly pleasing to you,

 You need to change your ways immediately

 Before you receive just what you are due.