Show, Don't Tell

 “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him.” I John 3:18-19 NKJV

One of the first things I learned when I began pursuing a career in writing was to show, don’t tell. I wasn’t sure at first if I understood what that meant but as I continued writing and learning it slowly became clear. I would find myself telling the readers what I wanted them to think and feel and experience instead of showing them through creative writing.

Here’s an example: I could say something like, “You need to be committed to and involved in a local church.” I believe this is true because not only is it found in scripture as the early church in Acts met together often but it also helps a person use their gifts and talents to help others and can promote teamwork when people of like vision get together and work together for a cause.

However, I have learned instead of just telling people to “go to church,” I can show them by talking about my local church, the good and the bad, and explaining how my involvement has helped not only me but others around me. Then I leave it up to the readers to make their own decision, as led by the Spirit of God.

Why can’t we do this in our witnessing? In our outreach? In our daily lives? Why can’t we show instead of tell? I personally am tired of trying to tell people what to do for I have learned most of the time they don’t listen. I am not blaming the people for they must be drawn by the Spirit and most of the time I have not even asked God what He wants me to do and say.

Much time is wasted by people running around telling others how to act and how to think instead of just living a God-centered life in front of them. That is what it means to be salt:

“Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.” Mark 9:50, NKJV

It’s time for the Church to stand up and live the life we have been called to live instead of running around telling everyone they are doing everything wrong. True witnessing is telling people about Jesus and what He has done for us  people’s mistakes. The Holy Spirit has been placed on the earth to convict and we need to let Him do His job. I have been in the wrong in this way too many times and I am ready to change.

Father God, help me live the life you have called me to live. A life of obedience and unconditional love, where I reach out in positive ways to all those around me. Amen