Show and Tell
July 27, 2010

In the Great Commission of Matthew 28 we are charged with a responsibility to go and make disciples of all nations. From a child on, I was always fascinated by this verse. It sounded like a big and important job, one that included adventure and sacrifice, and one that seemed almost overwhelming. Because of its monumental importance, we are sent to give witness to the work of our Lord. When do we do that, to what distance must we travel to speak God’s Word, and then what should we say?

The reality is that our choices of how to give witness to Christ are endless. It is true that we can travel. It is possible that we can preach. It is likely that we can speak. Yet what is within reach of all of us is to make our sharing of the Gospel a way of life. It can become the Show and Tell of each of our days.

How that becomes possible is not really all that difficult because it begins by believing in God. Through faith we know God is with us, we are assured that He has promised us eternal life, and we are amazed at how He provides for us this day. Because of His almighty presence in our lives, we are reminded to cast our cares on Him. Doing just that is the beginning of being a living witness for Him. As we trust in God to provide for us, we find His gifts of peace and contentment. To be at peace with ourselves, content with life, and in a good relationship with God enables us to complain less and be confident we are okay no matter what.

These ideas fascinate the world because they are elusive concepts to most people. Proof that these are sought after characteristics is obvious. Just go to a bookstore and look at all the books about finding happiness and contentment or about living at peace with one’s self and others. As Christians we don’t need volumes of books to read, just one…the Bible. In it we find the source and object of our faith. In it we hear the promises of our Lord and Savior.

Confident of those promises, we show that life for us is different. Daily we discover strength to do things that come naturally from a peace-filled heart. We can limit broadcasting our irritations, stop dishing out our criticisms, and quit dwelling on our doubts. With God’s help we can put the best construction on another’s struggles. We can speak words of encouragement, write notes saying we understand, send a text tellng of our prayers for a person amidst the challenges they are facing. Our actions demonstrate the peace that dwells within us as we respond to the stresses around us and are empowered to speak calming words or give a caring gesture.

Inevitably people will notice and ask what makes us calm or why we are thoughtful. They wonder…don’t we have troubles ourselves. Of course we do, but it is then that we can speak of the forgiveness and the holding that God does for us. We can explain the big difference His peace makes in our lives. In so doing we give witness to the hope that dwells within us. We can tell of our Savior. The words to say are clear…God loves us. The time to tell is…always. The place is…wherever we might be.

Show His peace. Tell of His love.