Title: “SHOW and TELL” or “GO, TELL and SHOW”
Author: Kathy Blackwell
Remember “Show and Tell” at school? That was the day you were to bring something that you wanted to share. You told about the item, how it worked, what wondrous things it could do, and maybe even the benefits of having it.
“Show and Tell” had teaching objectives; however, if you were like me, the objective was often lost in the marvels of the “object” rather than there being a recognized learning moment. The “telling” was useful information but the “showing” was the highlight.
Recently one of my grandchildren reminded me of those “Show & Tell” days. He explained in great detail the building of his submarine. He showed me the small building pieces in a large pile and explained how they connect together (not all the same but differing connectors). He explained the color coding and the need to begin with the base otherwise the structure would not be sturdy or weather worthy.
Admittedly, I skimmed over some of the details and encouraged him to let me know when he was ready to reveal the finished construction.
As I grabbed another cup of coffee I was thinking: the “telling” was useful but the “showing” will be the highlight. I quickly moved from the submarine to my personal faith journey. The different size pieces, the need to begin – not in the middle or at the end . . . but “in the beginning”.
How do we share the Good News of Jesus Christ? Most of us are good at the “telling” about Jesus but what about “showing”? (Remember your parents saying, “Actions speak louder than words”?) How has your acceptance of Jesus as your Lord and Savior changed how you live, how you react and respond to others and even how you see yourself?
Often when discussing evangelism, we hear “Go and Tell”. Today, start living your life in a “GO - TELL - SHOW” mindset. “Go” – share His word and let your “Tell” be a witness by “Showing” His Love, His Grace, and His Way every day, not just on Sunday.
Let our witness be in the showing, not like the hypocrite “when someone says one thing, but does not believe or follow it himself or herself”.
Let us go forth – GO – and live our life TELLING all about Jesus Christ, Son of God and, most important: SHOWING (witnessing) HIS love in our everyday life!
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror. James 1:22-23
A Note About This Post:
As Christians, we have Good News to tell! Formerly known as the Evangelism Committee, the Good News Team invites the Virlina District into a discussion around sharing our stories about evangelism. Between now and District Conference, we will be publishing a new story each week, or thereabouts. Written by members of the Good News Team, the stories recount experiences of when the members told or showed the Good News to others. Evangelism is not just about asking a person about his or her faith. It’s not just about going door to door inviting people to come to church. The Good News of Jesus is told through our words and actions, and its impact is often unseen and unknown by those who share it.
Do you have a story to share? Would you like more information about evangelism, or do you have questions for us? We invite you to check out our exhibit at this year’s District Conference!