It is better to practice a little than talk a lot.

Picture this, You are the Chairperson of a Youth Committee at your church. That would mean that the Youth practically live by your standards, see you as an example, aspire to be like you and follow your rules. However, they have expectations of you as their leader aswell.  They expect you to practice what you preach, do only good, set a perfect example, foster good relationships with everybody and basically a goody-two-shoes character.

What happens when you break the rules? One small mistake and the respect and authority you have earned goes straight down the tubes. The subordinates (youth) no longer believe in anything you have ever taught them because it might not be true and might be worth nothing, like your word ever was.

It is better to preach what you believe in and strongly practice. Not only does it earn you good merit but also a lot of respect from your peers and it comes easily to you because you live it. It is easy to influence the youth and when they see an example in you, they try to mimic your actions and strive to be the best they can be. It’s better for your actions to speak for you than speak and act in a different manner.