Deeply embedded in the fabric of modern society – the backbone of business and “necessary evil” of American politics – is the advertising industry. Advertising has changed a lot – not only in content, but also in method of delivery. However, still effective, are well-placed billboards. Occasionally, an unused billboard becomes its own advertisement. “Made You Look!”, posted in bold letters, reminds the passing motorist that his or her business might benefit from such advertising.
While the church can benefit from various forms of advertising, it is, itself, the blood-bought body of Jesus Christ and must, therefore, avoid being caught up in the mindset of consumerism (Acts 20:28). As the “pillar and support of the truth”, the church must “seek and save the lost” by appealing to the spiritual need God has placed within each one of us (1 Tim. 3:15; Lk. 19:10; Acts 17:24-28). The gospel is God’s power to save lost souls (Rm. 1:16). God’s word is sufficient to equip us with all we need to carry His message to the world (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
How do we capture people’s attention? The “Give-Them-What-They-Want” approach is decidedly fleshly in its appeal. It may give us warm feelings of acceptance in the community; but the long-term effect is our loss of distinctiveness. Today, we may be standing at the brink because small compromises lead to great departures.
Word of mouth is still the most effective way of capturing attention. Though they had been scattered by persecution, early disciples “went about preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). God forgive us for overlooking the obvious: one soul telling another soul about Jesus. But, working in conjunction with personal evangelism is personal example. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world….Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Mt. 5:14, 16). We are God’s means of advertising the gospel to the world. Our example will cause people to ask questions. When they do, we must be “ready to make a defense…for the hope that is in [us], yet with gentleness and reverence…” (1 Pet. 3:15). “Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that…they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1 Pet. 2:12). If we hope to awaken the spiritual longing of those around us, we must be sincerely and obediently living the Christian life. This is how we capture the attention of the world – this is how we make people take a look.
— Glen Elliott —