What You Show

25 Aug

“People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude.”  ~ John C. Maxwell

In many ways, today’s quote from Maxwell is filled with reminisces of what Bishop Grutka used to say on many occasions: “It’s not what you know, it’s what you show.”  Yes, people may hear what we say through our words; but, people will know what we believe by the attitude that we show. 

Attitude is so important and reflects our core belief.  Jesus had attitude as well and that is what St. Paul wrote about in his letter to the Philippians when he instructed the faithful, “Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus, Who, ‘though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped’.”

Jesus had a mission.  We know about that from listening to Him and by watching Him as He interacted with the people.  He not only taught but He also lived what He taught.  He forgave freely.  He healed.  He cured.  He raised from the dead.  He did all of this out of love and also to fulfill His mission, a mission that He said was handed to Him by His Father.  “This is the will of my Father, that I not lose anyone He has given to me.”

We, too, have a mission.  It was handed on to us by Jesus right before His Ascension.  He instructed His followers to continue His mission, to preach, teach, and heal.  He let His followers know that they were going to be His voice in the world.

We are descendants of those followers and it is incumbent upon us to proclaim the message of Jesus.  We must do it by more than words, however.  Our attitude must reflect the words we speak.  It truly is not about what we know.  It is about what we show.

FAITH ACTION:  Try to show the same attitude as Christ in all you say and do today.