A Note of Encouragement

from Ciloa

Encouraged in heart, united in love

Following in the footsteps of Christ

Show me, don't tell me

Volume XV, Issue 48

November 30, 2015

The novel was ready and in the publisher's hands. Finally I could get some rest. Or so I thought. Turns out that notion was as much fiction as the story I'd written.

The next several months brought a project manager, marketing director, video producer, creative consultant, and book designer. Plans were prepared on everything from cover design and trailer music to speaking engagements and book signings.

But the difficult work was with the Terrible Three---story editor, critique editor, and master editor. These frequently "encouraged" more writing and rewriting. Along with their counsel and direction, one instruction echoed repeatedly. Show me, don't tell me! This meant...

Trust the readers to discover the truth. What they "witness" will draw them in. The message will take hold and remain long after they put the book down. If you merely tell them what happens, few will ever embrace what you wish them to know. They must become part of your story.

Great advice, but often very difficult to do, especially for those grounded in telling others what they want them to believe. I practiced law for 36 years and that's what attorneys do. That's what they are trained to do, even expected to do. They can't allow you to simply discover the truth.

Oddly enough, we often adopt this within the Church. Pastors, preachers, ministers, priests...elders, deacons, teachers, leaders of all kinds...they can be quite excellent at "Do this. Don't do that." The problem does not rest with them alone, and there are consequences.

What do you think of the message to love one another from one who refuses to do it? An employer's claim to care for others, while refusing to provide healthcare for his employees? Or those who say "we" must reach out to the lonely, hurting, and desperate, yet never get around to it themselves?

Jesus said, I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you (John 13:15). He wasn't talking about washing feet, but about loving and caring for others. Paul was more direct. Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1).

The words, Actions speak louder than words.

If what we teach and share does not walk closely with how we live, our words are empty. We may speak of giving food, providing drink, clothing the needy, aiding the stranger, and visiting the prisoner. But for such a message to have meaning, our actions must follow our words.

James wrote that we are not to merely listen to what the Bible says, but do what it says, putting action to belief. (see James 1:22) So no one would miss his point, he made it quite clear. Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins. (James 4:17)

Don't worry about what you haven't done. Think of what you can do...when you care for others with words and actions.

People will discover the truth. What they "witness" will draw them in. The message will take hold and remain long afterward. They will embrace what you want them to know---that you follow the Risen Lord, the ONE TRUE GOD---because you actually love them. (see John 13:35)

It isn't too late. Everything can change...your life, someone else's...right now!

Show them, don't just tell them. And they will become part of your story..

Take care & be God's,

Chuck

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