If you own a company, you know that branding is important. If folks have an idea of what you sell and what your company values and focuses on, you will do much better selling your product or service. If you have a recognizable logo and / or color scheme, those can speak loudly for you without words. Some companies make an effort to create a culture that encompasses so much more.
If you were to think of some of the major brands on the market, you would have an overall impression of those brands. Branding and culture have gone a long way to do that.
What if we thought of Jesus or Christianity as a brand?
What I am getting at is that people have an overall impression of Jesus and Christians. When we do things that are not in line with who God intended us – as Christians – to be, we hurt the reputation or impression of Jesus and Christians. If Jesus and Christianity were a brand, we would be tarnishing the brand.
You never know who is watching.
And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Matthew 5:1-12
If a person has not ever met a Christian before, how would they view Christianity in the concept of a brand if they were watching you? What stereotype would they produce based on their encounter with you?
Would they see you as meek, hungry and thirsty after righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, or a peacemaker? Or would they see something else?
People who are not saved often check out Christians to see what they are like. They want to know if they look, act, dress, or talk any differently. They want to know if there is anything special about how they view life and how they deal with issues that arise.
LIFE APPLICATION
Today’s challenge is to look at yourself and fill in the blank of this next sentence with what you think others see when they look at you. All Christians are _______. What would they put in that blank if they followed you around for an hour? For a day? For a week?
Now, ask yourself if all Christians need to be viewed that way. Ask God to show you if there is something in your life that you need to change.