Monday, May 12, 2008

Show and Tell

May of us have heard it said that "actions speak louder than words." When we try to measure the sincerity of our relationships, we often do so by remembering what has been done more than what has been said. The beauty of movement ministry is that we have the opportunity to show on the outside what we feel on the inside. The stark reality is that what is going on in our hearts will ultimately escape through our mouths.

The words that we express through movement (songs, scripture reading, prayer, etc) must agree with the words that we live by. When Jesus expressed His love for us, He made an open show of it on Calvary. No matter how much we dance, we will all be challenged with what we allow to come from our lips. Operating in the movement ministry takes both words and deeds to be effective.

We will be tempted to react verbally to challenges that may arise during rehearsals, worship services, and in our daily lives. It is easy to slip into "diva mode" as creative people. Because we are celebrated often, we tend to get defensive when we are challenged. If we are to remain humble before the Lord, we must often refuse to "tell it like it is" when we need to sit still (or move on) and hold our peace. We must learn the difference between "show" and "tell" to retain wisdom as Kingdom laborers.

Deuteronomy 32:7 (NKJV)
“Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations. Ask your father, and he will show you; Your elders, and they will tell you

Psalm 50:23 (NKJV)
Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; And to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God.”

Psalm 51:15 (NKJV)
O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise.

Jeremiah 33:3 (NKJV)
‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’

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