The Preacher's Pen

I made a product change last month. I switched from Product A to Product B. Why did I leave behind good ol' A? It wasn't because I had seen commercials or print advertising for the new wonder Product B, although I had. Lots of television commercials had touted insistently that I needed Product B, but mostly I ignored them. Then a good friend mentioned that he was using B and really liked it. Almost immediately I was moved to try B, found it to be good, and decided to use it regularly.

I have purposefully kept from you the exact products involved in all of this because I don't want this to be a commercial for Product B. Instead, I want you to think about the value of a trusted friend recommending something. You have probably done just as I did: gone to a restaurant, seen a movie, visited a vacation spot, or bought something because a friend in whom you had confidence made a recommendation. When we respect someone we will listen to them and even make large-scale changes based on what that individual says.

Now, how long has it been since you recommended Jesus to a friend? We easily say "Such does no good" but we've already learned otherwise, haven't we? I'm not urging you to become obnoxious or be a jerk. Further, I am particularly opposed to you trying to turn folks into "church of Christers" as if the church saves or church membership is all important. But in gentle careful conversation we can and must tell people how Jesus has made a difference in our lives, that there is a place where they can go and worship (instead of being the object of manipulation or hype), and that the Bible still means something to some people. Not everyone is interested in the Gospel, not everyone will respond well to what you say, but then again, not everyone switched from Product A to B this week either. But one person did. Recommend Jesus to someone this week!