I encountered a young man at the mall who was giving a sales pitch to people who were passing by. It led me to consider this question: If you were to share your relationship with the Lord with others, much like promoting a product, which features and personal benefits would you emphasize? Which aspects of it have had the most stabilizing and empowering effects on your life that you could present as the main “selling points” to others? Would it be the surprising bursts of joy He provides? The reassurances of His love? His fascinating personal touches? His faithful provision? A dear friend of mine often talks about what he calls “a strange allrightness” that the Lord gives in times of difficulty.
In a sense, that is what the apostle Peter was instructing believers to consider when he penned the words: “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15, NIV). He was encouraging Christians to be ready to share their personal testimonies about their relationship with Christ. Jesus Himself alluded to this when He asked His disciples, “Who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:15). This penetrating question prompted them to reflect upon and be able to articulate their personal experience of Him.
Taking time to reflect on the benefits we appreciate most in our relationship with Christ strengthens our faith, deepens our gratitude, and prepares us to share the hope we have in Him with others in a non-“religious,” personal, and heartfelt manner.
That makes it something worth taking more than just a moment to consider.
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