Last month our guest Pastor the Rev. J. David Worthen referenced the following poem by Edgar Guest, called Sermons We See. After the service I immediately went home and looked up the rest of the poem.
I am wired like this poem. Don’t just talk to me, teach me, show me, help me understand. As I thought about how this relates to church and my relationship with Jesus, I had to smile. I thought of all the wonderful Saints that have been at the First Presbyterian Church. All the wonderful gifts they shared, and their love for our LORD. How they taught tirelessly to the youth. How they prepared for special events from, VBS to the Sun Rise Services. I would see many of these Saints in our community and would see the same loving characteristics outside the church. Like Jesus, they were Living the Sermon.
I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day:
I’d rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way.
The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear,
Fine counsel in confusing, but example’s always clear;
And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,
For to see good put in action is what everybody needs.
I soon can learn to do it if you’ll let me see it done;
I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue to fast may run.
And the lecture you deliver may be very wise and true,
But I’d rather get my lessons by observing what you do;
For I might misunderstand you and the high advice you give,
But there’s no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.
When I see a deed of kindness, I am eager to be kind.
When a weaker brother stumbles and a strong man stays behind
Just to see if he can help him, then the wish grows strong in me
To become as big and thoughtful as I know that friend to be.
And all travelers can witness that the best of guides today
Is not the one who tells them, but the one who shows the way.
One good man teaches many, men believe what they behold;
One deed of kindness notices is worth forty that are told.
Who stands with men of honor learns to hold his honor dear,
For right living speaks a language which to everyone is clear.
Though an able speaker charms me with his eloquence, I say,
I’d rather see a sermon than to hear one, any day.
As we continue through Holy Week, looking forward to Easter, lets us continue to ask God to help us be more like Jesus.
Lead by example, have more patience, be more forgiving, more like Jesus. Let God’s brilliant light shine through us.
Ephesians 4:22-24:
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Be the Sermon.
