Show and Tell 
Max Craddock
         Often the value of a thing or practice is determined by the example seen in the lives of those who profess to practice it...thus, “show and tell.” That is surely true of the Christian life. One may wear the name Christian but his life may not be a good example of “show and tell.”

         In describing the Christians of the day, literature that was found dating back to about A.D. 130 has no references to the doctrine they taught or believed. Rather, they are described as a people who live highly moral lives; are good to their family, friends and neighbours; are honest in their dealings with all; and are faithful to their spouses. Further, they were said to seek to share their faith in God and Jesus with everyone they knew.

         It could be said that their faith in God was the same on Thursday morning as it was on Sunday morning. Because of faith in and relationship with God, their Christian life had a very practical nature. It touched every part of their life from worship to family to personal relationships. It was not a mere intellectual faith that remained divorced from practice. It was not for them a set of mechanical rituals left behind after the worship services in the assembly hall but was a gospel for real life and personal activity.

         The book of Philemon contains an excellent exposition of show and tell. A slave by the name of Onesimus had run away from his master, Philemon, and had come under the teaching of Paul. He had become a Christian and is being sent back to Philemon, who is a friend of Paul's. In verses 17 and 18 Paul asks Philemon to welcome Onesimus back as he would welcome Paul himself. Welcome him, "no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother" (vs. 16). It is show and tell time for Philemon. Paul had confidence that Philemon would do just that (vs. 21). Philemon had a right to prosecute Onesimus to the full extent of the law. It was his right to do so. However, as a Christian it was also his RIGHT and DUTY to forgive this wrong and welcome this slave back as a repentant Christian who would now serve him better than ever. The choice was now up to Philemon. Show and tell time!!

            Consider the following practical lessons from Philemon. First of all, note that true
Christianity practices love in relationships. This is surely seen in the book of Philemon as one considers the different characters--a Jew, a Gentile, and a slave for example--who are brought together in fellowship. They shared a common relationship in the family of God and shared together in the tasks of Christianity. Note verse 1-- "Dear friend and fellow worker"; verse 2-- "sister" and "fellow soldier"; verse 12-- "...him who is my very heart"; verse 16-- "no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother". In this book one sees the binding together effect of the gospel's power. As Paul writes in Romans 12:15 about the Christian's love relationship, "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn", Christian love is the tie that binds even those who are usually enemies together in joy and peace.

            Also note the result of Christian love expressed in Philemon 7, "Your love has given me great joy and encouragement because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints". In the Christian life one has the opportunity to be a blessing to others and refresh them for the journey of life. This may be in the form of an encouraging look, word or act.. .whatever the occasion calls for. In Philemon, Paul suggests one way Philemon could be a great blessing to him in verse 22, “Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers". Paul was already being refreshed by the prayers of Philemon and looked forward to being in his home, the Lord willing.

            The “Show and Tell” Christian life is one that practices Christian love when and where the opportunity presents itself. Make no mistake, if one does not “show” true Christianity in his personal relationships, he cannot be successful in the “tell” aspect of Christianity.  It is useful to note the statement made by Luke in the beginning of Acts about the life of Jesus during His ministry on earth, “In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to DO and to TEACH” Acts 1:1. Jesus is our example in godly living.
            It is worth noting that while this idea of service in the Christian life is seen in the paragraph above,  note from Philemon 8 and 9 that Paul said he could be bold and order Philemon but rather he would "appeal to you on the basis of love". Later he says, "But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favour you do will be “spontaneous and not forced" (vs.14). The Christian is called to service that is given willingly and lovingly, not out of duty.

            As we close, consider the teaching of Jesus to followers in Luke 22:24 – 27, “Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest.  Jesus said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors.  But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.  For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.’” Jesus was about Show and Tell. May we be also.