A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
–John 13:34-35
Coca-Cola, America’s most popular soft drink, has been around for over 130 years. How did such a sugary, carbonated drink become so embedded in American traditions?
Prolific advertising.
Only in recent years has Christianity been swept into the advertising world. For thousands of years, it maintained its popularity, much like apple pie, on its own merit. It needed no promotion other than Jesus’ own excellent campaign: Love.
You can always tell when Christians rely on advertising rather than Jesus’ example. There is no shortage of signs, jewelry, desk calendars, clothing, car charms, or other trinkets that attempt to capitalize on faith and monetize it.
But nothing advertises Jesus like active love.
Married couples holding hands, siblings helping one another, young moms playing with their children, college kids singing worship songs in open dorm rooms, happy teens working to box Christmas gifts, churches supporting one another — these things do more to spread the gospel than any bauble or manmade thing.
Kindness, peace, patience, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control coming from groups of people is unusual. When that happens, God must be involved. It turns heads. It draws people in. It is the best advertisement for Jesus.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, I want to be the best possible advertisement for You. May I never misrepresent You or be the cause for anyone to doubt Your existence and Your love. Thank You for Your unending grace. I love You. Amen.
Reflection
Am I a good advertisement for Jesus?