8 signs you’re a Christian who truly practices what they preach

It’s one of the most challenging dilemmas we face as believers:

You’ve been walking in faith, or at least you thought you were, but recently, you’ve started to question your own authenticity.

You’ve tried to align your actions with your beliefs, you’ve done your best to live out the teachings of the Bible, but something just doesn’t feel quite right.

Often, it’s not a huge crisis of faith or a dramatic event.

You simply have this nagging thought that perhaps you’re not really living the gospel the way you should, even though your church attendance is consistent and your prayer life seems solid.

Here’s how to know for sure that you’re a Christian who truly practices what they preach.

1) Your actions reflect your beliefs

This is one of the most fundamental aspects of being a Christian who truly lives out their faith.

We’ve all heard the saying, “Actions speak louder than words,” right? But how many of us actually take it to heart?

You might attend church every Sunday, participate in Bible studies, and even lead prayers. But if your actions during the rest of the week don’t align with the teachings of Christ, then perhaps it’s time for some self-reflection.

Are you treating others with kindness and compassion? Do you strive for honesty in all your dealings?

Your actions are a mirror reflecting your true beliefs. If they don’t mirror those of Christ, then you might not be truly practicing what you preach.

Being a Christian is not just about attending church or praying regularly. It’s about embodying Christ’s teachings in every aspect of your life. If you’re not doing this, then it’s time for some soul searching.

2) You’re willing to make sacrifices

Being a Christian who truly practices what they preach often means making sacrifices. Sometimes, it’s not easy.

I remember a time when I had to do just that. I was offered a promotion at work, which came with a hefty pay raise and more prestige. 

But it also required working on Sundays, which meant I could no longer attend church or volunteer at the local homeless shelter—two things that were very important to me.

I wrestled with the decision. The extra money would have been a huge help, and the recognition was tempting.

But in the end, I turned down the promotion. It was a difficult choice, but I knew in my heart it was the right one. Because practicing what I preach means putting my faith and my principles ahead of personal gain.

That’s what being a true Christian is all about—living out your faith, even when it requires sacrifice.

3) You find strength in humility

Think about this quote from C.S. Lewis: “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” As Christians, this is a principle we strive to live by.

I’ve always been inspired by this quote and tried to incorporate it into my life.

Living out your faith means letting go of ego and pride. It means putting the needs and feelings of others before your own. It means serving others without expecting anything in return, just as Jesus did.

There was a time when I had a disagreement with a friend. I was convinced I was right and they were wrong. But as I reflected on this quote, I realized that insisting on being right was more about my ego than anything else.

4) You’re always learning

Did you know that the Bible is a book without an ending? Not in the literal sense, of course. What I mean is that it’s an inexhaustible source of wisdom and guidance. No matter how many times you read it, there’s always something new to learn.

As Christians, we’re called to be lifelong learners, continually deepening our understanding of God’s word and applying it to our lives.

A few years back, I decided to read the Bible cover to cover in a year. As I delved deeper into the scriptures, I found passages that challenged my beliefs and made me reconsider my perspectives. 

It was an enlightening experience that shaped me as a person and as a Christian.

5) You share your faith with others

A big part of being a Christian who truly practices what they preach is sharing your faith with others.

I’ve found that sharing my faith doesn’t necessarily mean standing on a street corner with a megaphone. Instead, it’s about living my life in a way that reflects God’s love and grace. 

It’s about having meaningful conversations about faith, even when they’re uncomfortable. It’s about being there for others in times of need.

I remember a time when a colleague was going through a particularly tough time. He was dealing with family issues and was clearly distressed. I reached out to him, offering a listening ear and sharing how my faith has helped me through tough times.

Even though he wasn’t religious, he appreciated the gesture and we had a meaningful conversation about faith, hope, and resilience. 

That experience reminded me that sharing my faith isn’t about converting people, but rather about showing them the love and compassion of Christ.

6) You show forgiveness

One of the core principles of Christianity is forgiveness. Christ forgave us, and in turn, we’re called to forgive others.

Forgiveness isn’t always easy, especially when we feel deeply hurt or wronged.

Yet, it’s an integral part of practicing what we preach as Christians.

I recall a time when a close friend betrayed my trust. I felt so hurt and angry that I considered ending the friendship. But then I remembered Christ’s words about forgiveness. He didn’t say to forgive only when it’s easy or when the other person deserves it—he simply said to forgive.

If you find yourself able to forgive others, even when it’s hard, then you are truly practicing what you preach as a Christian.

7) You seek to serve others

In the Bible, Jesus is often depicted as a servant, helping those in need without expecting anything in return. As Christians, we’re called to do the same.

Serving others isn’t just about grand gestures or significant acts of charity. It’s about the little things too – like helping a neighbor with their groceries, or offering a listening ear to a friend in distress.

I remember a time when I was rushing to get home after a particularly long day at work. I saw an elderly lady struggling to carry her shopping bags. I was tired and just wanted to get home, but I knew that as a Christian, it was my duty to help.

When you constantly look for ways to serve others, big or small, then you’re truly practicing what you preach as a Christian.

8) You’re guided by love

Above all, the greatest commandment that Jesus gave us is to love. Love God, and love your neighbor as yourself.

In every decision, every action, every word – love should be our guiding principle.

There was a time in my life when I struggled with this concept. There were people in my life who had hurt me deeply, and I found it hard to love them.

But as I dug deeper into my faith, I realized that love isn’t about feelings – it’s about choice.

I chose to love these people, not because they necessarily deserved it, but because Jesus loved me even when I didn’t deserve it.

It was a transformative experience that brought me closer to truly practicing what I preach.

If your actions and decisions are consistently guided by love, then you’re truly living out your Christian faith. This is the ultimate sign that you’re not just talking the talk, but walking the walk.

Your journey of faith

Seeing these signs in your life? It’s possible you’re on the right path, walking the walk of faith rather than just talking the talk.

But always remember – your journey with Christ is a lifelong one, filled with constant learning and growth.

Reflect on these signs. Are they manifesting in your life regularly? Do they align with your understanding of what it means to truly live out your faith?

It’s essential to remember that this is not about perfection, but about progress.

We all stumble, we all fall short. But as the Bible says, “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again” (Proverbs 24:16).

Every moment you choose to act in love, to forgive, to serve and to grow in humility and wisdom – you’re becoming more of a Christian who truly practices what they preach.

Take some time today to ponder on where you are on this journey. Reflect on how you can continue to embody Christ’s teachings more fully in your daily life.

And always remember – you’re not alone in this journey. You have the guidance of the Holy Scriptures and the fellowship of other believers to support you along the way.

Walk in faith, live in love and continue growing into the Christian that God has called you to be. Your journey is unique, your faith is yours—keep nurturing it every day.