When it goes well with the [uncompromisingly] righteous, the city rejoices, but when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy. Proverbs 11:10  AMP

Whether I like it or not, my life is affecting somebody else right now. And no, I am not proud of all those “effects” over the years, but nonetheless, I am connected to a greater body of humanity and it is part of a story that’s really, really old.

One time in fifth grade, a group of us boys decided to ditch the bus driver and walk home. It took us awhile to cover the five or so miles, but we did it and beat the bus to our local stop in the process. There were about ten of us and we were really proud of ourselves, that is, until the “good little girls” got off the bus informing us the principal was not happy.

The next day wasn’t good, to say the least. But boy did the girls have a good time with it. This was back when the school officials could administer a little “hiney heat” and yes, we got the point.

On the other hand, when Ezra Jack, our fourth son and twelfth child overall was born, many dear friends and family celebrated ecstatically with us. What a special time that was…and still is.

My point? The world is watching! The world is judging, right or wrong. Truth be told, so are we. Therefore, why waste time hoopin’ and hollerin’ about the silly kid who broke the rules and finally got his due, when there’s a baby being born. Don’t miss the good stuff.

There are sermons to “see” that are worth seeing and messages to “be” that are worth being.

The world is watching. Might as well give’em a good show.

(One of my favorite poems . . .)

I’d rather see a sermon than to hear any day
I’d rather one should walk with me than merely point the way
For the eyes a better pupil and more willing than the ear
Find counsel is confusing, but examples are always clear
For the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creed
For to see the good in action is what everybody needs
I could soon learn how to do it if you let me see it done
I can watch your hands in motion, but your tongue too fast may run
For the message you deliver may be very wise and true
But I’d rather get my lessons by observing what you do
For I may misunderstand you and the high advice you give
But there is no misunderstanding how you act and how you live

-Sermons We See, by Edgar Guest