"I'd Rather See A Sermon"

 As you can imagine, a title like this (I’d rather SEE a sermon) is not the preachers favorite thought.  As you might guess, I’ve pretty well invested my life in preaching.  So it’s hard for me to imagine rather seeing than hearing a sermon.  But I have to admit the poem by Edgar Guest from a long time ago is quite appropriate and full of truth.  I might add this little tidbit; behind every sermon is the desire that those who hear some would apply it so others will see the sermon that changed their life.  Did you hear about the preacher who showed up one Sunday with a band aid on his chin?  He said while he was shaving he was concentrating on his sermon and accidently cut his chin.  After hearing this one of the church members said “Next time concentrate on you shaving and cut your sermon!”

I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day:
I'd rather one would walk with me than merely tell the way.

The eye's a better pupil, and more willing than the ear,
Fine council is confusing, but example's always clear.

The best of all the preachers are men who live their creed,
For to see good put into action, is what everyone needs.

I can soon learn how to do it, if you let me see it done,
I can catch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast my run.

And the lecture you deliver may be very wise and true,
But I'd rather get my lesson by observing what you do.

For I may misunderstand you in the high advice you give,
But there is no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.

When I see an act of kindness, I am eager to be kind;
When a weaker brother stumbles, and a stronger stays behind.

Just to see if I can help him, then the wish grows strong in me,
To be 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 that tells them, but the one that shows the way.