A television commercial is an advertisement produced and paid for by a business organization or marketing firm. It conveys a message, aimed to market a particular product or service. Advertisers spend millions of dollars to showcase their products in interesting, captivating, memorable, and funny ways. They want us to see their product, to remember it, to need it, and to want it! In addition to television commercials, companies use numerous other venues to advertise their products. Billboards, newspapers, radio, and direct mail, are all viable means to advertise. Companies also use the Internet, Facebook, Instagram, emails, text messages, Twitter, blogs, and other online sources to advertise.
As a Christian, you are a living and breathing advertisement for the Lord Jesus Christ. When you step out of your home, people see and hear you. Some of those encounters are very short, as in a 30 second commercial. Others, like the people we work with, as well as our neighbors and friends, are long term encounters. Whether a passing moment or a lifelong relationship, what are you advertising to others? How you walk, how you talk, where you go, and what you wear, are all advertisements for something. If most of your conversations are about your favorite sports team, if you wear their clothing, then you are advertising for them. Let’s not forget all those social media sites, what are you showcasing there? Your favorite secular music? Your kids report card? Your latest golf score? Your favorite meal? Your new home or car? Your recent promotion or new job? All too often it’s all about “me.”
The Bible says: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour”
(Ephesians 5:1-2 ).
The world desperately needs to see God in every detail of our lives. They need to see love, compassion, encouragement, help, joy, and a positive attitude. They need to hear kind words, verses of scripture to encourage them, and the gospel story if they don’t know Him. What they see and hear from us as Christians should entice them to want what we have! We are all advertising something. WHAT ARE YOU ADVERTISING?