The first sermon preached each Sunday is not by the local preacher, but by you. You are a preacher if you are a Christian. Just being a Christian means you are one who spreads the word of God every where you go and every opportunity you have. You may not think so, but you are a preacher — and you preach.
There are several kinds of sermons you preach with only a few words. Now you may not consider yourself an orator or “mighty in the scriptures” (Acts 18:24). You do not really have to be. In fact, by being present for worship, you cannot help but deliver a message. It may be a good one or a bad one. Your message can be one of great encouragement or depressing to others. You preach a message of good cheer when you say “Good morning” to those you meet as you are parking, or in the hallway and classrooms. You preach a message of “Welcome!” when you slide over in the pew instead of forcing others to squeeze in. You preach a message of hope and joy when you sing enthusiastically during the service. You preach a message about the necessity of prayer when you fervently enter into the time of prayer. You preach a message about respect when you listen attentively to the announcements of the church.
You preach a message of love when you smile, say “Hello” and introduce yourself to visitors. You preach a message about faith when you are present with a cheerful disposition. When the weather is miserable and you are present at worship assemblies and Bible study, eagerly waiting to do what the Lord commands, you are delivering a great message of exhortation. When you give your liberal contribution to the cause of Christ you are preaching about devotion to others which will inspire them to greater service. You preach a message about the importance of the scriptures when you open your Bible during the sermon.
If you have a sour look on your face, growl at people who speak to you and frown at the preacher during his sermon, you are preaching a pretty sorry sermon. If you sleep during the worship, or text, whisper, and disturb others who are trying to worship, what sort of sermon would you judge that to be? Many messages are preached before the preacher stands up to preach the sermon. If your message is positive and consistent, then the message given from the pulpit will be much better received!
Dudley Ross Spears