Sign of the Times

 It is almost impossible to drive very far without seeing a sign or billboard, advertising a yard sale, real estate open-house, or community event. Signs are a part of life in our culture. There is an old church that I must pass by every time I leave my neighborhood. This morning they had a large and colorful banner advertising Vacation Bible School. This church posts many such signs throughout the year. When I pondered this fact today It occured to me that I never see very many people at this church. Ever. Not on Sunday morning. Not for the many special events throughout the year.

Even today signs, on their own, usually are not enough to compel people to go out of their way to go to some place or event. The main reason we try a new restaurant or go see a new movie is the recommendation of a friend or loved one. I think this is especially true with introducing people to Christ. Signs, bumper stickers, and web-pages are all useful, but what really matters to people is hearing from people they respect and care about. 

Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus.  (John 1:40-42)

Notice that this scripture passage does not tell us that the first thing Andrew did was make a clever sign or have some bold message printed on a t-shirt. He told someone very important to him the life changing truth that he found in Jesus. I believe that this is still the best way to reach people with the gospel. We should not rely on church marketing, or some television ministry to reach the people we care about. We must make the difference by tirelessly inviting, encouraging, and serving people in a way that shows God’s love for them through our lives.