The Best Sermon You Can Give
At this month’s Men of Jesus Roundtable, Zale delivered a message that many described as both encouraging and gut-punching. His focus? The sacred responsibility of older men to invest in and serve younger men — not just through words, but through a life that reflects Christ.
Introduced by his brother Kenneth as a “fruit-bearing brother in Christ,” Zale spoke honestly about what he and other young men truly need from the generation ahead. His message centered on three essential pillars.
1. What Are You Teaching?
Zale reminded everyone that discipleship starts with sound teaching rooted in God’s Word — the same call given in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).
He warned against two dangers:
False Teaching: Sometimes, we teach comfort instead of truth. Zale shared how he once believed “living in sin is okay as long as you’ve accepted Jesus,” a misinterpretation he picked up from others. But real love teaches truth, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Teaching From Brokenness: Zale cautioned men not to base their lessons solely on personal failure. When older men only talk about their struggles, it can discourage young men from pursuing what God calls them to — like marriage or leadership. Instead, teach through your story, not from your wounds. Let your wisdom be filtered through Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
2. Be an Example: The Best Sermon You Can Give
Zale challenged the men: “Can young men imitate your life?” Paul said, “Imitate me as I imitate Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1). This call still stands.
He explained that young men learn best by watching older men live out faith — especially when that faith is consistent at home, at work, and in church.
“The best sermon you can give,” one man added, “is your life.”
Zale also pointed to Jesus washing the disciples’ feet as a model of humility (John 13:14-15). Leadership begins with service. A true mentor doesn’t sit above a young man — he kneels beside him.
3. Be a Disciple: Spiritual Maturity Over Age
Zale reminded the group that spiritual maturity doesn’t come with age — it comes with obedience. Timothy was young but deeply mature in faith.
He shared the discouragement that comes when older men talk about the “narrow road” but don’t walk it. Young men don’t need perfection — they need examples of men who fight through their flesh and stay faithful to Jesus.
Zale urged the men to:
Read and know God’s Word.
Pray often with younger men.
Let the Holy Spirit lead every interaction.
“The most impactful thing older men can do,” he said, “is simply become righteous men of God.”
Practical Mentorship in Action
Zale closed by sharing how a pastor named Clint mentored him — not just spiritually, but practically. Clint helped him structure his time and linked it back to Scripture on stewardship. That one connection, Zale said, “was life-changing.”
The takeaway? Real mentorship isn’t only about preaching — it’s about walking with someone and pointing them back to Jesus in every detail of life.
As the room reflected, one truth stood above the rest:
If older men don’t step up as intentional disciples and mentors, the next generation risks falling away.
But when we live out what we teach — humbly, consistently, and righteously — our lives become the sermon.