So, what does it take?

So, I was watching Dr. Phil on the tube . . . for 10 minutes, maybe . . . like in between a half-dozen commercials at every break. The scene: Husband and wife are bickering.

SHE: My husband did a bait and switch. When we married he said he was a Christian. Now, after two children, he’s an atheist.

HE: I just need tangible proof. I read all the time looking for proof of God.

SHE: You’ll never find it in a book. It takes faith.

HE: I’m keeping an open mind.

DR. PHIL (to SHE): You say it takes faith? Then, show your husband your faith.

Way to go, Phil baby. His six words were worth the 10 minutes, plus commercials.

Earlier Dr. Phil’s advice was spelled out, in the 1^st century A.D., in the book of James. Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’  Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. [James 2:17,18]

Regardless of their claim, Atheists don’t need scientific data. They often consider it “garbage,” “logical fallacy” or “childish tripe” and enjoy informing their well-intended rescuers of their ability to recognize “dung” and charlatans. Additionally, they don’t respond to biting lectures, caustic signs [“Turn or Burn”] or scripture citations by the goal posts. Like John 3:16.

Whether they realize it or not, they want what Dr. Phil advised: Show me your faith and unpretentious kindness. Show me your honest humility and unselfish care. Show me your love in action, not your sign boards and programmed evangelism. Show me, don’t tell me. Love me, don’t convert me. I’m dying for the real, and I’m watching you. But we plead, “Watch Jesus, not us.” He answers, “I can’t see him, but I can see you.”

Regrettably, we humans often fail this test, but the Man we honor most, never failed this test. That’s why only he can save a searching soul – whether anti-God or pro-sin.

That’s why we honor our Savior in the bread and cup as he requested, “Remember me.”