Advertise Here!

“Advertise Here!” We’ve all probably seen those words on the side of a bus, the back of a city bench, a vacant billboard, or perhaps some other place. Such is an indication of space available for some business or organization to advertise their company or services. Some time ago I read of a man who was out of work who decided to shave his head in order to offer advertising space on his head where people would see it as he went about town.

Certain places may be considered unworthy for an advertisement. Companies generally want their ads placed where they are highly visible and likely to be seen by many people. They also tend to be careful with regard to what their company name becomes associated. Perhaps we feel we are surrounded by too much advertising. We pick up a newspaper and the ads fall out on the ground. We open up bills and out come advertisements from other companies. Free balloons carried by children, T-shirts with company logos, stickers, license plate frames, free pens, etc., are some of the many ways in which companies attempt to get their message out.

As much as me might disdain advertising, it is actually possible for us to be involved in it without really GIVING IT MUCH THOUGHT. Any time we wear hats, jackets, shirts, shoes, or other clothing with slogans or trademarks adorning them, we are helping advertise. Even a free pen we may have picked up somewhere that is printed with a company logo can involve us in spreading the message of the advertiser when we loan the pen to another or are simply seen using it.

The same is true about our life? What does the manner in which we live and speak advertise? As we claim to be Christians, what does our life say about Christ as we go about our daily business? When it comes to this, we ought to GIVE IT MUCH THOUGHT! If we don’t, our life will most likely become advertising space for someone else.

Paul urged those at Philippi…
“(17) Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. (18) For MANY, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, WALK AS ENEMIES OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST.” ( Philippians 3:17-18 ESV)

What does our walk say? The phrasing of verse 18 from the New Living Translation [© 1997, Tyndale House] reads, “.. there are many WHOSE CONDUCT SHOWS THEY ARE REALLY ENEMIES OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST.”

Earlier in this same letter Paul exhorted…
“(27) Only LET YOUR MANNER OF LIFE BE WORTHY OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, (28) and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.” ( Philippians 1:27-28 ESV)

Let us consider the manner in which we live and what it says about our Lord. With Jesus as “the Truth” ( John 14:6), may there be truth in advertising through our life as we go about our day to day activities. The world is watching. Let’s help them get the message they need!

Have a great day MAKING THE ADVERTISING SPACE AVAILABLE TO CHRIST!
Carl

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