False Claims

2 Corinthians 4:1-6

It’s a wonder anyone believes anything anymore. The claims of advertisers (not to mention politicians) is pure spin. What they say may be built on a shred of truth, but what is shouted in TV commercials or on bottles and boxes is so hyped up that everyone knows it is all sizzle and no steak! Consumers tune out the ads and scarcely pay attention to the packaging. They’ve heard it all before and don’t believe any of it.
One morning I read these claims on my shampoo bottle label: “moisturizing” (of course, you’re using H2O), advanced botanical formula (Botanical? Advanced from what?), natural emollients (Huh?), and pure Swiss glacial waters (Does Switzerland even have glaciers?) to produce “simply stunning, beautiful hair” (just like every other shampoo claims).

Then I looked at the bottle of body wash. It was a Swiss formula (What is it with the Swiss?), claimed to be an antioxidant (you gotta watch those oxidants), offered the “aromatherapy of pure vanilla” (I can’t wait), declared itself to be “extra gentle,” and contained “the nourishments of vitamins E and A.” It professed to be both a soap and body lotion, but it wouldn’t “leave a drying film.” (Of course not! You wash it all off in the shower.)

Amid all the noise and ploys, no wonder it’s difficult to get people to listen to the gospel. Most people have heard so many claims from so many sources that offer so many things in so many forms that they just don’t listen. But it’s not just good news, it’s the best news ever!

So, how do we get skeptical, hardened people to hear about Jesus? Tell them the truth about Him. Don’t exaggerate (2 Corinthians 4:2). Avoid cliches. Don’t make wild promises that the Bible doesn’t make. Most of all, show them by your happy, holy life that your beliefs really work. That’s the kind of testimonial no one can refuse. —Dave Egner

bottom line: To be a good witness, be real!

soul journey