Would You like Another Sample?

Walking around a grocery or warehouse store, one is likely to encounter someone giving out samples of products that are for sale. Along with the taste of a food item or other demo of a nonfood item, these demonstrators will tell you about the product. Some of the details you may hear concern the product brand, cost, best features and location where you can find it in the store. Other factors such as how to cook or use the product may also be part of the spiel heard when one stops at a sample table.

In order for the demonstrator to be effective, he/she must both be familiar with the product and able to communicate this information in a quick and easy to understand manner. Additional information may also be relayed as shoppers ask questions. All is done with friendliness and excitement. This momentary encounter may make the difference as to whether a shopper chooses to purchase the item or not.

In many respects Christians are like these demonstrators. Do we demonstrate the love of God in our everyday lives? Do our words and actions invite people to, “O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good! Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who trusts and takes refuge in Him.” (Psalm 34:8 AMP)?

We are God’s representatives in this world. “So we are Christ's ambassadors, God making His appeal as it were through us. We [as Christ's personal representatives] beg you for His sake to lay hold of the divine favor [now offered you] and be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20 AMP) In this statement the apostle Paul is pleading for people to come to Jesus. Just as Paul was, we must be ready to share the love of God with all that we come in contact with. “But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully.” (1 Peter 3:15 AMP)

In order to be an effective representative and share the gospel, we must first know Jesus Christ personally. He has come into this world to bring mankind into a relationship with our Creator. “Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me. If you had known Me [had learned to recognize Me], you would also have known My Father. From now on, you know Him and have seen Him.” (John 14:6-7 AMP) This offer is made to everyone. The choice is up to us. “But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name.” (John 1:12 AMP) We, His children, share this message offer with others.

Salvation is a free gift from God. “For the wages which sin pays is death, but the [bountiful] free gift of God is eternal life through (in union with) Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23 AMP) This gift of eternal life is received by believing in Jesus Christ. “… Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ [give yourself up to Him, take yourself out of your own keeping and entrust yourself into His keeping] and you will be saved, [and this applies both to] you and your household as well. (Acts 16:31 AMP)

By living in a life full of God’s love we invite others to consider and receive Jesus for themselves. Yet surrendering our wills over to God is a lifelong occurrence. This comes at the cost of relinquishing our self-made plans and desires. “And He said to all, If any person wills to come after Me, let him deny himself [disown himself, forget, lose sight of himself and his own interests, refuse and give up himself] and take up his cross daily and follow Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying also]. For whoever would preserve his life and save it will lose and destroy it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he will preserve and save it [from the penalty of eternal death].” (Luke 9:23-24 AMP)

Although surrendering our will may seem a high cost, the benefits of eternal life is definitely worth it. Eternal life is not only living forever, but also the highest of quality life here and now. Jesus said, “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).” (John 10:10 AMP) He also described eternal life this way. “And this is eternal life: [it means] to know (to perceive, recognize, become acquainted with, and understand) You, the only true and real God, and [likewise] to know Him, Jesus [as the] Christ (the Anointed One, the Messiah), Whom You have sent.” (John 17:3 AMP) We have the honor to personally know God the Father, Jesus His Son and the Holy Spirit. It is our privilege to share this great love with others so they may also know God.

Demonstrate God’s love today. Be ready to explain the hope that you have in Jesus and watch others enter the family of God.