Show, Don't Tell
Oct 01, 2024 by Addison Crissone
If you have ever taken any course on creative writing, you will learn that the number one rule is this:
Show, don't Tell.
Easier said than done. It means you show your readers what you want them to know or see through dialogue and description rather than simply telling them.
When theologian and beloved author C.S. Lewis spoke on a similar subject, he famously replied:
“Don’t use adjectives which merely tell us how you want us to feel about the things you are describing. I mean, instead of telling us the thing
is ‘terrible’ describe it so that we’ll be terrified. Don’t say it was ‘delightful’; make us say ‘delightful’ when we’ve read the description.
You see, all those words (horrifying, wonderful, hideous, exquisite) are only like saying to your readers ‘Please, will you do my job for me.'”
Show, don't Tell.
Easier said than done. It means you show your readers what you want them to know or see through dialogue and description rather than simply telling them.
When theologian and beloved author C.S. Lewis spoke on a similar subject, he famously replied:
“Don’t use adjectives which merely tell us how you want us to feel about the things you are describing. I mean, instead of telling us the thing
is ‘terrible’ describe it so that we’ll be terrified. Don’t say it was ‘delightful’; make us say ‘delightful’ when we’ve read the description.
You see, all those words (horrifying, wonderful, hideous, exquisite) are only like saying to your readers ‘Please, will you do my job for me.'”
Very often, it is the same for the life of every Christian.
Most people don't want to be told about Christ, so they don't listen to anything we have to say. But what if we rather make them feel Christ in such a way that they can never live without Him again? What if it is something we can do for someone in our everyday lives that leads them to salvation?
It has been said that our lives are the only Bible some people will ever read.
So what are they reading in your life?
Sometimes, the best thing we can do to be a witness is to simply live our lives, by doing everyday and mundane things.
Sometimes people will find Jesus in the simplest things; it could be a compliment or kind word, quick forgiveness, or even just a phone call at random.
You never know how God might use you, or how He will work through you if you submit to His will.
Pslam 37:5 says,
Most people don't want to be told about Christ, so they don't listen to anything we have to say. But what if we rather make them feel Christ in such a way that they can never live without Him again? What if it is something we can do for someone in our everyday lives that leads them to salvation?
It has been said that our lives are the only Bible some people will ever read.
So what are they reading in your life?
Sometimes, the best thing we can do to be a witness is to simply live our lives, by doing everyday and mundane things.
Sometimes people will find Jesus in the simplest things; it could be a compliment or kind word, quick forgiveness, or even just a phone call at random.
You never know how God might use you, or how He will work through you if you submit to His will.
Pslam 37:5 says,
"Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will act."
We often are led to believe that God asks only big things from us- big, scary, and miraculous things. But what if the seemingly minor and mundane things are also holy, sacred, and miraculous?
Those small things you do have kingdom value, my friend. Just as much as the big things.
God will likely ask you to do great things. Scary things too.
But he could be asking you and me to commit and surrender to the little things first.
Like calling that friend or family member you had a falling out with, or maybe doing or saying something that fear had kept silent.
In short, I am saying that sometimes it is easier to show others what Jesus is like, rather than telling them about Him. Some people just aren't going to listen to a word you and I have to say, but they might just notice our actions.
After all, actions speak louder than words.
You can be listing proof of a living God if only you let Him shine through you.
Will you do that today?
I hope you will take this to heart, and strive to show somebody Jesus this week.
Those small things you do have kingdom value, my friend. Just as much as the big things.
God will likely ask you to do great things. Scary things too.
But he could be asking you and me to commit and surrender to the little things first.
Like calling that friend or family member you had a falling out with, or maybe doing or saying something that fear had kept silent.
In short, I am saying that sometimes it is easier to show others what Jesus is like, rather than telling them about Him. Some people just aren't going to listen to a word you and I have to say, but they might just notice our actions.
After all, actions speak louder than words.
You can be listing proof of a living God if only you let Him shine through you.
Will you do that today?
I hope you will take this to heart, and strive to show somebody Jesus this week.
Scripture:
Dear Children, let us not love with words or speech,
but with action and in truth.
1 John 3:18
