Show Then Tell

Show then Tell

For millions of children today is the first day of the new school year. It’s a time of excitement, with many bursting inside to tell their friends and classmates about their summer exploits. Part of this fall rite of passage into a new academic season will be the tradition known as “Show and Tell.” Someone will bring a prized acquisition to the front of the class, relate how they came to possess it, and then proudly show it to all. Everyone will then respond with the 21st Century version of “Cool!” or “Neat!” and move on to the next exhibit with similar results. The effect of school room “Show and Tell” has a short shelf life. By tomorrow little will be remembered of today’s “treasures”, but you and I have opportunity every day to show things that have the power to change lives and the world around us.

Last week I related from my trip to Kenya about the transforming power the Lord’s peace can have when it’s cultivated and released by the Christian owners and staff of a business conference center/resort in rural Africa. [“The Felt Kingdom” E-ncouragement tab www.mountaintakersinc.com]

This week we want to continue looking at the invisible but tangible effect we Mountain Takers can have on our environment.

Let’s start by looking again at Romans 14:17 “For the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

Righteousness is in short supply in our world. Here in the U.S. right now the airwaves are jammed with political rhetoric and attack ads. Truth is often optional and only used if it serves to further the campaign with a selected audience. Promos for upcoming TV series seemingly bent on pushing the perversity envelope yet more ad to the sense that there is a not a lot of Godly righteousness in the air.

This is a wonderful time for us to show what the Kingdom looks like! We can demonstrate what the world is searching for but can’t get out of the domain its captive in.

Before we go on, I want to call your attention back to the title of this post for a moment. “Show then Tell” I wrote it this way for a reason. Too often in the church when we are confronted with unrighteousness our response is “Tell” the world what it’s doing wrong before we “Show” what’s right. What the world needs instead is what Jesus did – let them experience the Kingdom and then be ready to tell those who want to know more.

How does that look at work or school, or in the community? It’s really not complicated.
1. Walk in integrity – Be known as one who “does right” We need to earn the chance to point the way. Nothing speaks louder than always doing it right yourself.
2. Be consistent and dependable – One of the Lord’s hallmarks is that He never changes and He is always faithful. What power faithfulness has over time!
3. Live the Golden Rule. When people know they are always going to be treated this way they’ll know who to trust. That trust in turn opens the heart to receive the truth.

Just these three practices when consistently applied will have a huge effect on the atmosphere around you. Just like with peace, people will be touched by the invisible, yet tangible atmosphere of righteousness and truth you live in. Then be prepared for those Father is drawing to Himself to be drawn to the atmosphere of righteousness around you! When people want to know the truth, they’ll come your way.

Have a great week on your Mountain!