A Picture Worth a Thousand Words

My daughter was playing outside with her boys. It was the close of Potty Training/Day Two with the littlest one and things were going better than she had expected.

“I’m so proud of you,” Jessica told Connor. “You’re Mama’s big boy!”

“Let’s tell Keggie,” Connor announced. That would be me.

Jessica reached for her phone to call me, but Connor had another plan. Clearly, he’d just decided that if telling Keggie was good, show and tell would be even better. And that is why this Keggie’s smart-phone buzzed and delivered a picture of Connor with his shorts at his ankles, flashing his Looney Tunes underwear and sporting the cheesiest of grins. Seriously, I’d like nothing more than to share that entire photo with y’all, but we all know I’d get in trouble.

You’ll have to trust me. The full picture is worth a thousand words. But, aren’t they all?

As believers, we’ve often used similar expressions when talking about faith.

“I can’t hear what you’re saying over what you’re doing.”

“Your actions speak louder than your words.”

And, of course, “Sister, if you’re going to walk it, talk it.”

And we try, don’t we? Oh, how we try– which in and of itself can be the biggest hindrance in discovering the joy of abiding in this Jesus. Stay with me and I’ll explain.

You’re looking at someone who used to try and will myself to do that or not to say this. Can you say “epic fail?” My friend, there is a more excellent way and Christ died for us to experience it. For all who can hear and believe Jesus is God’s will power, so to speak. I have no endless supply of Christian virtues in me, but when I turn to Christ, I have everything I need and more.

As long as we rely on our will power, we’ll never know His.  And just as important, if not more. For those listening to our talk and comparing it to our walk, a life yielded to Him is truly a picture worth a thousand words.

Hugs, Shellie