Proving We’re Genuine By ‘Show and Tell’

When I was a boy in what we called ‘grammar school’ – we know it today as elementary school – one of the popular weekly activities was “Show and Tell.” We’d take turns bringing in favorite items from home, show them to our fellow classmates, and tell what they meant to us. They included things like favorite toys, dolls, dinosaur models, pet guinea pigs, and art projects.

 

I don’t know whether they still do “Show and Tell” in schools today – I haven’t had a chance to ask my grandkids – but it was always fun to see what my classmates were so excited about and hear them talk about it. The visual component added a lot to what they were telling us. Full disclosure: As a boy I was very shy, so when my turn came at showing-and-telling, I was terrified, but it was part of my growing experience.

 

Why do I bring this up? Because as followers of Jesus, we’ve been commanded to “be My witnesses” wherever we are and wherever we go (Acts 1:8), and an important part of being witnesses for Christ is showing – living out our faith and demonstrating its genuineness.

Years ago, a non-believing friend was telling me one of the reasons he had no use for Christianity. People he worked with would be very bold and vocal in their expressions of faith, but how they conducted themselves on the job seemed to contradict the principles they espoused. My friend’s attitude was, "If that’s a Christian, I don’t want to be one.”

 

I know there are many valid responses to that: No one’s perfect. It’s unfair to judge Christ by the behavior of His sinful followers. We’re saved by faith, not by works. All that is true. But my friend had a point: If professed followers of Jesus basically don’t appear to act any differently than non-believers, what’s the big deal?

 

It is a big deal in so many ways, as I tried to explain to my friend. But even the Scriptures teach that true faith is really a show-and-tell experience. One of my favorite passages about sharing our faith with others makes this very clear:

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander” (1 Peter 3:15-16).

 

There are three important parts to this exhortation. The first is to “set apart” (other translations say, “sanctify”) Jesus in our hearts as Lord. If we’re to live effectively and fruitfully for Him, we need to make sure He’s given the highest priority in our lives.

 

The second part is to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who ask…the reason for the hope that you have.” Another translation puts it this way: “…always be ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account….” Either way, we’re speaking about our faith in response to someone else’s initiative. If they ask us to ‘give an answer,’ this implies something about our lives has prompted them to ask about what we believe. ‘Making a defense’ similarly indicates someone else has taken the offensive, perhaps asking, “What makes you so sure about what you believe?” Or, "Why are you different?"

 

And the third part goes back to the ‘show-and-tell’ aspect of evangelism. We’re to be keeping a “clear conscience” and demonstrating “good behavior in Christ” so that those who speak against us will have no legitimate grounds for criticism. They will see us working hard for our employers, operating honestly and with integrity, and showing true interest in and compassion for others.

 

Even Timothy, the apostle Paul’s young protégé, was instructed to ensure that he not only knew and understood God’s truth but also lived it out consistently. Paul urged him to “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

 

Without question we’re to be always be prepared to speak about our love for Christ and trust in Him. But as someone has wisely observed, “If your walk doesn’t equal your talk, the less said the better.”

Testimony Reflects Our History – His Story in Us

“That’s my story, and I’m stickin’ to it!” These words were introduced to popular culture with a song by country music artist Collin Raye in 1993. Since then, I’ve heard numerous people use it; I’ve occasionally utilized it myself. But it begs the question: What is your story?

 

I was part of a small group recently talking about how to prepare a personal testimony. In case you’re not sure what a testimony is, it’s your unique story of how you encountered Jesus Christ – and the difference He’s made in your life since then. 

 

There’s a wonderful scene in “The Chosen,” the film series on the life of Jesus and His followers. In one of its first episodes, a radically changed Mary Magdalene sums up very succinctly what a testimony is: “I was one way and now I am completely different. And the thing that happened in between was Him.”

 

So, if you’re a follower of Christ – if you have been “born again,” as Jesus explained to Nicodemus in John 3:3 – you’ve got a testimony to share with others, whether you realize it or not. Testimonies come in all shapes and sizes, some with high degrees of drama and some with very little. But for every one of us who knows Jesus, it’s part of our history – or we might say, His story at work in us.

 

One of the strengths of a testimony is it communicates the truth of God’s grace and mercy in a person’s life, doing so in the form of a genuine story. People might dispute one’s theology and spiritual beliefs, but they can’t argue with someone’s account of real-life experience.

 

Personal testimony was one method the apostles and first-century believers employed to communicate Gospel, the Good News of Jesus Christ. Telling what He had done in their lives – how they at one time had been one way, became something very different, and that He had been the difference-maker. 

 

We find excellent examples in Acts 22 and again in chapter 26, where the apostle Paul, being held prisoner by Roman officials, first told a large crowd and then Roman King Agrippa about his unexpected, life-changing encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. 

 

Paul began by describing his “before,” citing his pedigree as a devout Pharisee and religious leader, then known by the name of Saul. He noted, “I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth…. I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them…. In my obsession against them, I even went to foreign cities to persecute them” (Acts 26:9-11). A proud antagonist for sure.

 

He proceeded to tell of his divine encounter with Christ while traveling to Damascus to persecute more Christians there. A blazingly bright light from heaven suddenly surrounded him and his companions, and Paul heard a voice asking, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads…. I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” (Acts 26:1415). In other words, “Saul, you’re engaged in an exercise of futility. You’re no match for Me.”

 

Paul’s story didn’t end there. He explained how the Lord had transformed him from a one-time enemy of Christ followers to being zealous and outspoken as one of them, attesting to what Jesus taught and what He had done, ultimately dying as the once-and-for-all sacrifice to redeem people from the penalty for sin. 

 

His personal account was so persuasive that Agrippa commented, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” To which Paul replied, “Short time or long – I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become as I am, except for these chains” (Acts 26:28).

 

This brief biblical account gives the basic outline for an effective testimony of one’s faith in Jesus – what one’s life was like before Christ, how the individual met and committed his or her life to Him, and how He’s worked in their life since then. 

 

However, there are two other significant elements to consider. First, Paul was invited by Agrippa to tell his story. In a New Testament letter, another apostle, Peter, addressed this: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to live the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). The door had been opened for Paul to speak about his faith.

 

The second is reflected in how he closed his testimony. Paul wasn’t seeking to win an argument or a debate; his sole desire was for Agrippa and all who heard him to enjoy the same life-transforming type of experience that had happened in his life.

 

It’s really not very complicated. In essence, all we need to tell others is what Mary Magdalene described in “The Chosen”: “I was one way and now I am completely different. And the thing that happened in between was Him.” Putting it another way, as a friend of mine used to say, it's “one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.”

The Persuasive Power of a Satisfied Customer

Suppose you’re looking to purchase a new car and are having trouble deciding what to buy. Who would you trust more – the salesperson at the car dealership needing to make a sale to earn a commission or a good friend who recently bought a car similar to what you’re considering? Probably the friend, right?  

Most likely it would be the same if you were shopping for a new state-of-the-art TV, a large kitchen appliance, or even someone to do major renovations in your home. It always helps to ask the opinion of a “satisfied customer” who can speak to a product’s merits from personal experience.

 

The same can be said for matters of faith. With the chaotic state of our world today, with gloom-and-doom dominating the evening news, more and more people are becoming aware of their spiritual needs, the yawning vacuum in their lives the material world seems ill-equipped to fill. At the same time, most of these folks aren’t rushing to church on Sunday mornings.

 

Why is that? There are many reasons, but for one thing, with the plethora of denominations coupled with a multitude of local congregations large and small, the “seeker” hasn’t a clue about where to go. Even if they surf through the channels to find TV preachers, they encounter a vast array of personalities, well-polished speakers who often seem to give contradictory messages. So, who should seekers believe and trust? Is it multiple choice – the old saw, “There are many ways to God. All that matters is that you’re sincere”? Or are there bedrock truths that provide answers for their spiritual questions?

 

This brings us back to the value of a “satisfied customer.” I remember years ago when I was trying to make sense of life in general and my own life in particular. I’d always believed in God in an intellectual way, and the stories I’d heard about Jesus Christ seemed interesting. But was there more to belief in God than sending up occasional “flare prayers” in times of crisis?

 

I had visited some churches and they each had their own rituals and traditions; but one said this while another said that. Who was right?

 

Then God took me and my family to Houston, Texas where my uncle and aunt lived. I had great affection and admiration for them, so when they invited us to their church, we agreed to go. Being new to the area, we didn’t have any better ideas anyway.

 

What I heard at that church resonated with truth. Equally important, it was something my relatives clearly believed in and lived out in their lives. Without question, they were satisfied customers who understood what it meant to know and follow Jesus Christ. Over time that influenced me to take a serious look at the Bible and what it revealed about Jesus. 

 

On TV we often see testimonials from persons (usually actors) who supposedly use and endorse various products, ranging from health insurance and prescription drugs to cereals and laundry detergent. “Take my word for it!” they assure us as they pocket their endorsement checks. Obviously, companies wouldn’t spend big bucks to produce and air commercials for their products if they didn’t work. 

 

As Christ followers, we can give testimonials, too, except we call them testimonies. And we do it not because we’re paid, but because as satisfied customers of the Good News of Jesus Christ, we’re eager for others to know about it as well. We can explain what we believe and tell of the difference it has made in our lives. As 1 Peter 3:15 instructs, “…Always be prepared to give an answer to every who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have….” 

 

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to do this on two separate occasions, first at a funeral for a member of our extended family and then during an interview with someone conducting research on religious beliefs. I don’t know the impact of what I had to say, but all we’re responsible for is giving our answer when someone has asked about what we believe.

 

This is why the remainder of 1 Peter 3:15 and the verse following are so important. They say, “…But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” To be clear, no one spoke negatively about what I expressed, but my desire was to share my faith respectfully with sincere concern for those who were listening.

 

Once we’ve communicated about our faith in Jesus and what He’s done in our lives, we can leave the results to God. As the apostle Paul wrote, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth” (1 Corinthians 3:6). Paul knew he wasn’t the one doing the saving.

 

Reading the book of Acts and several of Paul’s epistles, we find he truly was “ready always to give an answer.” Or as another translation expresses it, “always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you….” 

 

On numerous occasions the one-time zealous persecutor of Christians spoke boldly before government officials and religious leaders who challenged him about his dramatic change of heart. In fact, he wrote to fellow believers in the city of Ephesus, “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should” (Ephesians 6:19-20).

 

As the spiritual need intensifies in a world that’s turning into a spiritual wasteland, are we willing to do the same? Does anyone know that you’re one of Jesus’ “satisfied customers”?

Immediate Opening for Well-Seasoned Ambassadors

Can you imagine being an immigrant trying to master the English language – at least as it’s spoken in the U.S.A.? The grammar isn’t easy. Spelling can be confusing. Proper pronunciation can be a real stumbling block: Consider the words through, tough, bough and cough. If I were teaching an English as a Second Language class, the first thing I’d do would be to distribute complimentary head-scratchers.

 

Then there are the words will multiple meanings, some of which are totally unrelated. The word “season” comes to mind. All of us in the Northern Hemisphere are now experiencing the season of Spring, with life all around us emerging from dormancy. Then we refer to the “seasons” of life, such as infancy, childhood, adolescence, teenage years, adulthood, retirement, old age. 

 

Similarly, we speak about going through a “season” of growth, a season of waiting, or some other season of endeavor. The Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes declares, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Yet another use of the word relates the experience someone has gained, such as a “seasoned” executive, athlete or educator.

 

Last but not least are the herbs and flavorings we use to “season” our food, things such as pepper, oregano, cinnamon, sage, dill, and my personal favorite, salt. We like to salt our meat, vegetables, corn on the cob. Some folks even salt their watermelon. But just as the term “season” has numerous meanings, salt can be put to a variety of uses.

As we’ve already mentioned, salt can enhance the flavor of food. Throughout history, salt has been used as a preservative, to “cure” meat (even when it’s not sick). If you’ve ever gotten salt into a wound, you know about another of its functions – it stings. Salt can create thirst, as any of us who has eaten buttered popcorn can attest. And anyone who’s lived in colder climates knows salt can also be used to melt ice.

 

Perhaps Jesus had each of these applications in mind during His “sermon on the mount,” when He told His followers, “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men” (Matthew 5:13).

 

What did Jesus mean when He said we’re to be “the salt of the earth”? I think we can tie this in with another declaration made by the apostle Paul, that we are “therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20).

 

How are we to connect being Christ’s ambassadors with being salt? There are many ways. As His ambassadors, we’ve been entrusted with the Good News – the gospel for becoming reconciled to God. However, if communicated improperly, it can create a sour taste for the listener. That’s why Paul warned, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:6). We need to present a palatable message.

 

It's been 2,000 years since Jesus ascended to heaven following His resurrection, yet this gospel message endures. Perhaps its saltiness has helped in preserving it.

 

Have you ever talked with someone about Jesus and seen them respond negatively, as if they were stuck by something sharp? The message of Christ can have that effect on people, even those who later will find themselves drawn to it. As with salt in a wound, hearers might initially recoil in pain for many reasons, including bad encounters with “religion,” as well as grievous life experiences that leave them wondering how a loving God could have allowed them.

 

Then again, if we as Christ’s ambassadors accurately represent Him not only by our words, but also by our actions, God can use us to create a thirst that only He can quench. As the apostle Peter wrote, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander” (1 Peter 3:15-16).

 

Finally, most people don’t respond immediately to the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. It takes time, much like melting ice on a sidewalk. It might take a while, but eventually the coldness goes away and hearts are warmed to the invitation to receive forgiveness, healing and transformation.

 

The question is, how “well-seasoned” are we? When we try to communicate the truth of Christ to others, can we do it in “good taste”? As someone has said, you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink – but you can salt his oats.

Caffeine, Coffee Cups and Christmas

So, here we are on the cusp of the Christmas season, and Starbucks is providing coffee cups in traditional red and green, but with nary a snowflake, reindeer, snowman, Santa Claus or Christmas tree. A stark red cup featuring nothing but the famous Starbucks logo in green.

Perhaps the message on the sleeve around
someone's coffee cup has it right.

We all knew that in these days of “happy holidays,” this famous purveyor of all things espresso and latte and frappuccino wasn’t going to display Nativity scenes on its cups, or proclaim “Jesus is the Reason for the Season,” but no winter symbols even? What do they have against Christmas, right?

Well, I for one have felt not a single twinge in my offending bone since hearing the news. After all, they got the colors right. It’s not like they’re going with lavender and orange. Maybe the snowflakes and snowmen aren’t there due to global warming. Maybe they didn’t want to offend customers in Hawaii who never see real snow. Maybe Santa’s lawyer filed suit prohibiting the coffee shops from using images of himself or his soaring steeds. Maybe the Starbucks folks feared getting pine needles in the peppermint mochas.

Or maybe “Red Solo cup, I drink you up, let’s have a party” is going to be their new theme song.

Yes, there seems a concerted effort in some quarters to de-emphasize Christmas in the name of “tolerance.” I get that not everyone feels all warm and fuzzy at the sight of Mary, Joseph, the Christ Child and His visitors. But perhaps our offense at how retail outlets choose to observe the Christmas/holiday season is defeating our purpose in seeking to advance the cause of Christ.

What really do snowflakes and Santa have to do with the true meaning of Christmas anyway? How do they aid in celebrating God’s arrival on earth in human form to teach, serve as our example, sacrifice His own life for our sins, and offer us life eternal through His resurrection? When Jesus gave His final words, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19), He was speaking to each of us, not to Starbucks or Target, or even Chick-fil-A or Hobby Lobby.

We can choose which stores to patronize and which to avoid, but to expect any retailer or corporation to promote or endorse our understanding of Christmas isn’t realistic. It’s doubtful Jesus cares at all what kind of cups any coffee shop uses to serve its caffeine products. I’m sure He’s not concerned about the exact date when stores elect to again display their holiday finery.

He does care, however, about how each of us regards Him and this special time of year. The Scriptures direct us, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord” (1 Peter 3:15-16). The passage goes on to say we should “be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”

When we openly take offense over the graphics on beverage cups an establishment uses, or whether they say “Happy holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas,” are we giving people reason, as the verses suggest, to ask about the hope that we have? Is complaining about leaving wintry symbols off coffee cups showing gentleness and respect, and giving others no basis for criticizing our behavior as followers of Jesus?

Another passage I’ve often referred to, Colossians 4:5-6, gives parameters for our attitudes and demeanor during this and every season of the year: “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you will know how to answer everyone.” There it is again – the idea of speaking and interacting with people in such a way that they become curious enough to ask about what we believe and why.

Those of us who have committed our lives to Jesus Christ know He indeed is “the reason for the season,” as Christmas cards and social media posts annually remind us. But if we insist on wrangling over coffee cup designs, pink Christmas trees, or the choices of music being played on the store’s sound system, we’ll succeed only in lowering ourselves rather than lifting up Christ.

As Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday officially usher in the Christmas season, in all its greedy, commercialized glory, let’s not forget it’s really about Jesus, not snowflakes, Santa and his elves, or even flying cherubs. It’s about good news – the Good News. And as someone far wiser that me has said, “We have to be good news before we can share Good News.”

Life With a Grain of Salt

When we give little credence to a statement, we say we’re “taking it with a grain of salt.” How appropriate, because if anything in the vast array of foodstuffs gets little consideration, it’s salt. It’s a condiment without a compliment.

We find all manner of saltshakers, but that’s for decorative purposes, not because we hold salt in high esteem. This time of year we can find turkey and pilgrim saltshakers, as well as Santa Clauses, snowmen and all things Christmas. But salt remains the Rodney Dangerfield of the seasoning world: It gets no respect.

When was the last time you agonized over what kind of salt to get? When I was younger I was a bit of a salt-aholic. I’d shake salt on anything even before I tasted it – soup, hamburgers, French fries, vegetables, it didn’t matter. I just liked the instant taste of salt. Then I learned too much salt might have detrimental effects, like raising blood pressure, so I elected not to salt away as I’d done previously. Much to my surprise, when I stopping adding salt, I discovered I could taste the salt already in the food.

All that said, salt still seems greatly underestimated and could stand better public relations treatment. Consider its uses: Immediately we think of adding or enhancing the flavor of food. But it does a lot more. For instance, being a preservative. In pioneer days – and even today, in areas where refrigeration isn’t available – salt is often used to preserve meat and prevent spoiling.

Entering the winter months, we’ll soon be reminded of how salt can melt snow and ice. It’s excellent for clearing driveways and sidewalks, as well as highways. Here is the South, when public works departments don’t plan ahead and salt the roads when winter storms are forecast, traveling becomes treacherous.

And there’s one other function of salt, although not nearly as desirable. It’s when salt gets into an open wound. If you’ve ever done that, it definitely stings.

Interestingly, the Bible often uses salt as a metaphor. In the Old Testament we read about Lot’s wife, who disobediently looked back at the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah being destroyed, then turned into a pillar of salt. She might have become the original Morton Salt girl.

Typically, however, the Scriptures apply the salt analogy to believers more positively. For instance, Jesus told His followers, ”Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again. Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other” (Mark 9:50). What’s that supposed to mean?

In another passage, perhaps elaborating on the same discussion, Jesus explained, “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men” (Matthew 5:13).

We sometimes hear of people described as “the salt of the earth,” meaning they represent the best and noblest elements of society. In the same way, Jesus was instructing His followers to display the highest, most desirable qualities of humanity.

The way we conduct our lives, for instance, can make life more appealing – like salt. Rather than being “thrown out and trampled,” disciples of Christ should reflect characteristics others enjoy being around. Galatians 5:22-23 describes “the fruit of the Spirit…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Since traits like these seem in short supply, who wouldn’t want to hang out with “salty” people like this?

Many people today believe the world is not getting better but worse, spiraling into violence, hatred, selfishness and hopelessness. Again, as “salt” we can work to help in preserving qualities like compassion, generosity, selflessness, peacefulness, love and genuine hope.

For those resisting the truth of Jesus Christ as declared in the Bible, our task is not to coerce, argue or oppose angrily, but as “salt” to live in such a way that hearts grown spiritually cold become warmed and melted. In 1 Peter 3:15, Jesus’ followers are told how to do this: “Always be prepared to give an answer (make a defense) to everyone who ask you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” In other words, express our faith in Christ in an engaging, tasteful manner.

That being said, we must acknowledge the other aspect of salt. Mere mention of the name Jesus incites great animosity among some people otherwise touting the virtues of “tolerance.” We should not be surprised, because like salt in a wound, “Jesus” often brings to the surface old hurts and pain that sadly were inflicted in the name of Christ. While the Bible calls Jesus “the name above all names” (Philippians 2:9), it also describes Him as “a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall” (1 Peter 2:8).

So let’s be salt today: Making biblical truth palatable; seeking to act as preservatives in a deteriorating world; melting cold hearts with the truth of Christ; and daring to risk stinging old wounds He may heal one day.