From Show and Tell to Stop and Listen

I always loved Show and Tell when I was a kid. To this day, I remember one Show and Tell in 1st grade when I took a ‘mini’ bottle that my grandmother had received on a plane flight. I filled it with water and (with the lid off) could turn it upside down and the water would not come out. What I thought was the most revolutionary thing since sliced bread; was needless to say, less than exciting to my fellow classmates. I often get that same reaction when I try to share with others how exciting it is to follow Christ. But, once again, others seem less than exited to hear about it. Why? One reason is that we live in a post-Christian Society. Most people are initially turned off or at least ambivalent when you share Christ with them. For me, it’s show and tell all over again.

Recently I heard a quote by Leonard Sweet: “It’s not time for Show and Tell it’s time for Stop and Listen.” In the past we’ve all be taught to share our story when we attempt to witness to others who may not know Jesus. And I think there are times and places were that’s true and it works to bring others closer to a relationship with Christ. However, I think we’re missing it. Or at least I know I’ve been missing it. Instead of connecting people to ‘Our Story’ we need to connect them to “Jesus’ Story.” We need to stop and listen to them and learn to draw out of them their story and what God is doing in their lives.

Before I knew Christ, He was working in my life, there were signs of his hand all over my life. I just didn’t recognize it. It wasn’t until I came to know Him that I could look back and see all the signs of his workings. We don’t need to take Jesus to others, He’s already there in their lives. All we need to do is point Him out to them. We need to point out to them the signs of His workings in their life. Jesus so often shows up in our lives as interruptions, sickness, weakness, unique circumstances that we may not understand. Helping someone understand that the situations in their life is really God trying to get their attention will be much more appealing to them than me telling them about God in my life.

So, next time when you’re worried about how to ‘Show and Tell’ Jesus to others, instead Stop and Listen. Think about:
1. How can I draw out of them their story?
2. How can I discern Jesus’ workings in their life?
3. How can I connect them to Jesus’ story instead of mine?