Jan 08 2009
Gospel Message or Clever Packaging?
Marketing–it’s everywhere, isn’t it? We don’t have to look far to see evidence that someone has been putting marketing theories to work, to make the most of every product’s potential. The trouble is, many really terrible things, even fraudulent scams are packaged this way today. So dare we even believe anything that we hear or see today? Certainly not without discernment, if we are wise.
Unfortunately, the same model is used to sell, pedal–if you will, the gospel of Jesus Christ. Many successful, big name writers and preachers have applied the business model to the message of salvation. But the result has been a dismal failure, total gobbledygook and double talk, except where money is concerned. Millions have been raked in by those pushing such an agenda, who must then soothe their consciences by giving that money to charity. But there will come a day of reckoning when they will stand before the throne and answer for their deeds. And the truth is, those who have believed those messages have been sold a bill of goods, rather than the true and simple message of salvation.
If you recall, Jesus abhorred man’s way of doing anything, because man’s motives were not pure–ever. Man has been driven by an human agenda–money, success, or whatever, and that–since the beginning of time. Nothing has changed, has it?
Well, it’s time we start seeing and sharing the pure, transforming message of salvation in all its simplicity instead of tweaking it and spicing it up to be more appealing. Jesus didn’t want it to appeal because it was easy or glitzy or any of our reasons for doing anything. He intended for men to hear and respond to the power of the Holy Spirit’s conviction and nothing else.
In Luke 9:23-25 He said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever would save his life shall lose it, but whosever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man profited when he gains the whole world but loses his own soul?” Jesus is our model, and it’s obvious that He never intended to fool anyone but presented the message with all the costs clearly spelled out. This is important because it costs a man everything to belong to Christ.
While the business model packages products to appeal to the masses, preferably those with cash, Jesus took the gospel message to the poor, one by one, with no strings attached. (And if you recall, the wealthy rarely if ever responded.) He also didn’t promise them anything but relationship with God and eternal life. He said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” Period.
What have we done with the gospel? God forgive us, and help us get back to basics before it’s too late and an entire generation is lost…
Because of His great love,
Nancy
Very nice piece.
The church definitely needs to hear more of this!
The only thing I’d disagree with is the part about the big-name preachers’ consciences. A lot of them don’t seem to need to give to charity or do anything else to appease those consciences.
May we be found living out what you’ve written here. May God give us all grace to deny ourselves, discipline our bodies as Paul did, and give glory to his name.