Show vs Tell

               One rule of writing fiction is show, don’t tell. For example, instead of saying someone was, say, cold, you describe it. Tell how the person shivered, how he would rub his hands and arms, how he jumped up and down. There are lots of ways to describe the feeling of cold without using that word. The same should be said about our walk with Christ. People should be able to see God’s light in us without us needing to say a word.

               How do we show God? After all, it’s nothing like being cold. Cold is something everyone has experienced. The symptoms are recognizable and known. We have to get to that point with God in our lives before we can do more than just tell.

               Back to the question: how do we show God? You’ll find the answers in, of course, the Bible. Start with the Ten Commandments, found in Exodus 20:2-17. Place no other gods/idols before Him, live your life solely focused on God and His path for your life.

The next one I’m going to list was actually said by Jesus himself; Matthew 8:19-22. It ties in with the first commandment. This man comes up to Jesus, asking if he can join the disciples after he buries his father. Jesus’ reply? “Follow me! And let the dead bury their own dead.” When you become a Christian, it’s all or nothing. Either you follow God or you don’t. You can’t make excuses. Your focus needs to be on God 100%.

               Luke 10:25-37. The story of the Good Samaritan. Love those around you. Matthew 5:43-44 talks about how we need to love our enemies. Jesus in Luke says we need to love our neighbors as well. That includes everyone. We need to live in a way that shows the love we have. We need to forgive, we need to be kind. We need to be an inspiration, showing courage in hard times, have joy always. Live out Colossians 3 and 1 Corinthians 13.

               Show the world that Jesus lives. Shine the light you have inside of you. Proclaim your faith through what you do and who you are. Live like you’re loved and do everything to glorify your Creator. Show your faith; never tell. Put a rock in people’s shoes. Let them see who you’ve been created to be and make a difference by just being yourself. John 5:1 says, “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness can never extinguish it.” You are a light in world of darkness. It’s up to you to shine.