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Don't Become the News

It's a rule in the news business that you report the news, you don't become the news. At least at one time it was. I'm not arguing for either side in this age of flash and big names when it comes to the news.

However...

When it comes to Christianity, I wonder if some pastors are better at selling themselves than they are at proclaiming the Good News. Don't be alarmed, I'm not going to name names. I don't think it's important who we think is the best salesman when it comes to sharing Jesus.

This is also not an issue unique to mega-size churches. Any stage is one that could be stood on and chosen to shine from. In fact, I'll go further and say this is not merely a pastor problem. It's a people problem.

And how?

Have you ever depended more on your delivery than the content to convince someone of their need for God? That's presentation, my friend. To be careful here, I'm not saying we should be rude in our conversations in order to see how much God can overcome with His Good News. But let's not confuse ourselves and assume that our sharing the Good News is what saves people. God saves people.

Believe me, I wish it were different. As someone who writes from a blog claiming to search for insignificance, you might assume it's easy for me to deflect. But I push for a larger audience just like any blogger might. And I do it only because I know how this message can help the hundreds searching for things they don't need. I know what I write can help.

Well, yes, but let's not assume we're all perfect in motive around here. This is why we search. This is why I remind myself, among all, that God comes first. Man comes second. It's better that way. God is what everything is about. So I will strive to share Him and not get in the way.
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