Show Don't Tell - 1 John 3 (TEN YEARS!)

First published January 8, 2010

Just last night, commentators on cable news were saying that President Obama can't just talk about fighting terrorism. He has to actually do something. It is a mark of immaturity to make grand statements that are not backed up with action. The pre-teen that says "I will clean up my room later today," truly means to do so. There is even a psychological concept I read about once, that explains the tendency of politicians to speak blatant, impudent lies. The theory, they say, is based upon a self-view we all have, that we cannot do wrong.

"I am honest," says the politician (or salesman, or attorney, or teacher, or minister), "therefore, if I say one thing but do another; or if I break a promise or agreement; then it is acceptable. I have found an exception that covers my own behavior, since I am basically an honest person. I have done no wrong."

Richard Nixon honestly believed there was nothing wrong with Watergate. Ted Kennedy certainly excepted himself in the Chappaquiddick affair. Bill Clinton has probably a volume of fine print that covers all of his behavior and actions, so that he remains basically a good man.

People do not do wrong because they consider themselves evil. Hitler did not go around (like evil people in novels) devising "wicked schemes" to visit upon mankind! Even he thought his actions prudent, wise, and even "good," as ghastly as that may sound!

So it is that President Obama can campaign for full transparency, and to have C-Span cover every negotiation and debate on health care reform; only to do everything in secrecy after becoming President. He has found an exception to the rule of basic integrity. Even his supporters will back him up. Believing themselves right to vote for him, they will allow an exception that covers their hero.

It all seems quite complicated when you get right down to it.

Dear children, we mustn't love with words or with our tongue, but in truth and action.

Our generation is not unique in its desire for authenticity, honesty, integrity, and loyalty! Humanity has yearned for such qualities since the very beginning.

The follower of Christ can shine his or her light quite effectively, by just being a little honest!

One of the objectives in teaching upper elementary-aged students to become better writers, is to have them "show, don't tell." If a person is a sloppy dresser, don't just write: "He was a sloppy dresser." This would be telling.

Show the sloppy dresser to the reader:

He entered the room with halting steps. When I looked up, the first thing I noticed was the shirt untucked and hanging out on his left side. One pant leg was pulled up a little higher than the other, which displayed a discolored and frayed fabric. His ball cap was stained along the brim that goes closest to his forehead. With his rolled-up sleeves, I couldn't help but observe his chewed and be-jammed nails. I could tell that he had not shaved yet, today, and wondered whether he could not afford some new clothes, or didn't care.

So it is with our Christian walk. We need to just do, and not go around telling people about it.