Show and Tell

 2/28/2023

 This morning, when my husband and I were in our devotional time together, we talked about how we are supposed to share the redeeming truth of the Gospel with others in the inhospitable climate we are all living in. He is particularly feeling burdened for his coworkers. If a coworker feels uncomfortable with a person sharing their faith, they can claim harassment. Even ignoring that, just claiming to be a Christian in today’s world could lead people to believe you are judgmental and hateful.

We discussed showing our faith before we talk about it at work. It’s like show and tell in school. You bring something interesting for your classmates to see, pass it around, and then you get to tell them about it. So, if we are exhibiting the fruit of the spirit in our lives, others will notice a difference and get interested, and they may open the door to conversation. We can also add items that reflect our faith to our workspace or office, or prominently wear a cross every day. This also may open conversation, or even forge a connection.

When I used to work in a K-8 public school, I wore a cross all the time. I had more than one student come up to me and inquire either why I wore one or if I went to church. I remember this one little boy in kindergarten named Paul who leaned over to me one day and whispered, “Do you go to church, Mrs. Collins?” Sadly, he knew, even at his tender age, that the school environment was not a place to ask that question too loudly. I could, however, answer questions about faith when asked.

In public, on the other hand, we can and should be bolder with sharing our faith. Often if you offer to pray for someone or help them, that can be an opportunity to communicate the truth as well. The Word of God is so transformative, we agreed, that once you begin reading it, its power cannot be ignored. It is often the only path to forgiveness, grace, and peace for many who resist being witnessed to. So, many people have shared that it was reading the Gospel that changed them and brought them to the foot of the cross. That can also be a show and tell moment.

So, as we continue to walk with the Lord and try to reach a hurting world, let us show what a relationship with Jesus looks like, and then tell others that they can find forgiveness and new life if Christ.