Let’s get one thing straight: There are some legendary “Silly Songs with Larry”, and while The Yodeling Veterinarian of the Alps may not top those lists, it’s still a certified jam.

For those who don’t know, every episode of VeggieTales includes a short interruption of a “Silly Song with Larry”, and in the “God Made You Special” episode, we see Larry perform “The Yodeling Veterinarian of the Alps”:

The song features Larry the cucumber as a doctor helping “treat” various animal illnesses by yodeling to them. Shortly after when there seems to be no result, the nurse (Pa Grape) steps in quietly and offers them medication, or a clear easily solution to help the animal heal or feel better.

Recently, as I was watching this clip with my kids it made me realize how well this matches up with performative Christians and mainstream faith.

As Larry sings loudly, proudly announcing how much he is helping the sick animals, the nurse quietly shakes his head, knowing that the yodeling performance is doing nothing practical to help the animals.

How often do we, as Christians, see people come forward who are hurting, whether it be emotional, physical, mentally or spiritually, only to be dismissed with a quick, performative “I’ll pray for you” or “Just have more faith”

This answers a question that I think more Christians need to self-reflect on: When someone comes to you, hurting, how should we best help them?

Should we just performatively “sing” and hope they get better, or step in and help them in practical, loving ways?

Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Romans 12:13

Sometimes, the best answer is the most obvious one, and that lies in practical help.

I do want to clarify: I am in no way insinuating that prayer is useless. Prayer is a powerful tool that God has given us as a means of healing and communication. What I am attempting to call out is Christians who use prayer as a performance tool, or as an easy way to dismiss people that they don’t want to help.

Has someone in your life suffered loss? Step in and help buy them groceries.

Is someone you know having a tough mental health day? Offer to come by and spend time with them.

Many Christians have made the false assumption that the love Jesus calls us to do has to be spiritually-related. Love doesn’t have to be complicated, it can be as easy as picking up a Starbucks drink to surprise a friend, or sending a text to someone saying you’re thinking of them.

Jesus fed people, he provided them with wine, he healed them, and spoke kind words to them.

Stop “singing”, start loving.