Here are some of the bits about being a Christian and following Jesus that I would definitely put in a brochure to market it:
- Being a Christian means having your sins forgiven and a clean slate with God
- Following Jesus is an assurance of rest for your soul
- Living the way God wants strengthens you to love others as yourself and always see the best in others
- The life with Christ is filled with exciting moments as you learn what it is to have the joy of the Lord as your strength
- When you follow the Lord, you are part of a family that loves and supports you desiring your very best
I am sure there are other really positive and apparently compelling reasons to market the idea of being a disciple of Christ. None of these are false. They are real elements to be enjoyed on this Christian journey.
One of the things, however, that I would want to minimise or over-contextualise to spin favourably, were I marketing the thing in a manner most marketing experts would approve is what I read in 2 Timothy 1:8.
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God,
Just in case I think it’s safe to assume this is just a Paul thing and maybe he was having a tough time, so wanted to spoil the fun, there is the matter of who are the blessed according to Jesus’ opening words in His Sermon on the Mount.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:10-12)
Then of course, just when I think I can brush these off as whimsical sentiments with no application, I then come across this early episode in Acts with the disciples.
And when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. (Acts 5:40, 41)
So as much as I try, I cannot give the pitch about what it is to follow Jesus without including this particular element. A good question that someone might ask, however, is how does that work in a modern liberal society that although is post-Christendom, still acknowledges the vestiges of the faith in its institutional make-up, and at times appears tolerant of enthusiastic Christians?
It’s a good question. (Long, but good all the same.)
So what’s your answer?
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 