“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
–Matthew 28:19-20
What is worth sharing with others?
Or put another way, what is it that has made such an impact on your life that you’re willing to tell friends, family, and even strangers?
If Amazon and TripAdvisor are any indications, there are many products and experiences to which we have become endeared. Consider these ebullient proclamations:
A Five-Star Rating for a Breakfast Sandwich Maker
“Family. I need you to lissssssen. I would give this product 87 stars if I could. This thing was delivered to my doorstep in two business days and will provide a lifetime of joy for me. You’d think it would be one of those gimmicky kitchen appliances that barely even works. EXCEPT you’re wrong. It’s amazing. It’s quick. Look. Lissssen. You put the ingredients in, and about two minutes later, your tummy is all like, “Oh yesssss.” Basically. Just buy it. Purchase the sammich maker. You’re welcome.”
A Five-Star Rating for ‘The Pink Stuff—The Miracle All-Purpose Cleaning Paste’
“Honestly, this is the best thing I’ve ever used. It made cleaning my stovetop actually fun and got the stain right off.”
Or how about this highly touted experience in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee:
A Five-Star Rating for the Titanic Museum Attraction.
“A kid’s dream come true! My kid has been fascinated with the Titanic for a few years now. Getting to see the grand staircase and feel what the water felt like to the passengers was mind-blowing for him.”
Advertising experts tell us that the most effective form of marketing is word of mouth. The effectiveness of our testimonials—whether good or bad—increases ten-fold when we know and trust the people who are giving them. Hence, the reason you streamed the movie ‘Good Burger’ is that your friend at work told you that it was a “Must-see!”
Not surprising then is how online rating systems have become a trusted way to share one’s experience with prospective customers, clients, and members. My hunch is that when you have had a good experience with a hotel, a family adventure, a seaside
resort, a local restaurant, or camping site in the Smokies, you’ve shared your testimony online and with your friends and neighbors (or a stranger on aisle six at Ingles, for that matter) soon thereafter.
So tell me. Is your faith experience worthy of such a testimonial? Have you shared your love of God with others as freely as you have your experience with Mrs. Myers’ Hand Soap? Have you talked as enthusiastically about your relationship with Jesus, or your reading of a scripture passage, or your prayer life as you have that new series on Netflix that was released a few weeks ago?
If not, why?
The Church grew after Pentecost because followers of Jesus couldn’t help but share the Good News that they were loved, forgiven, and saved because of Jesus. The Church spread from home to home and from town to town because people shared what God had done for them. When people heard these ‘five-star’ reviews about Jesus, they couldn’t help but to want to listen to the entire story of God’s love. And when they decided to give their life to Christ, they found deep joy in being faithful to Jesus’s Great Commission to “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.”
It shouldn’t have to be said, but I will. It is a joy to obey Jesus’s commands. Perhaps we’ve lost sight of this fundamental truth. But I believe that a moment of awareness and thanksgiving for all that God has done for us will be all the conviction we need to share our good news.
Because brothers and sisters. Jesus is, in fact, Good News.