Show and Tell

I remember playing show and tell in third grade. It was an educational game our teacher used to teach us how to share our lives with others in a meaningful way. Every Friday, my teacher would allow us to bring one "special" item to class. Each student showed his or her item first, then shared about the item's five Ws: who, what, when, where, and why.

When it was my turn to share, I would often get so excited about the "tell" part, I'd completely forget to actually show my classmates my special item. More than once, I remember my teacher saying, "Marsha, slow down. I know you're excited to share, but you have to show them first, then tell them."

Doesn't that sound similar to the way we share Christ with non-believers today? We get so excited about telling them about God, that we forget to show them his love. The Bible is replete with stories of how Jesus traveled through city after city, showing his love of the Father by feeding the hungry, healing the sick, and offering hope to the hopeless.

Before he ever told them the who, what, when, where and whys of God, he showed them his love.

*Lord, thank you for the example you have given us in Jesus Christ. Help us to follow in his footsteps by loving and serving others as he did. Lord, our desire is that those who don't know you would be drawn to you by our love. In Jesus' name, amen.

Throughout this Day: Think about how you can show love today. Maybe it's getting involved with your church's efforts to support a local community initiative. Maybe it's being a shoulder to cry on for your hurting friend. Or maybe it's inviting someone over for supper who you know is lonely this season. Whatever it is, take some time to consider how you can be Christ's light in our dark world today.