Does Christianity Need a Marketing Makeover?

Can you identify the companies or products represented by these slogans?

• “Can You Hear Me Now?”
• “Just Do It”
• “The Quicker Picker Upper”

Companies usually consider certain criteria when creating a marketing slogan or tagline. Marketing makeovers are often introduced with a memorable phrase to differentiate their brand while encouraging customers to feel good about their product.

This has led some to ask a question: Does Christianity need a marketing makeover?

In recent years, it seems as though some think we need to present a more palatable version of Christianity to a world offended by the essence of what we believe.

People would rather speak of God’s love, compassion, and mercy, instead of any mention of sin and judgment. Yet if we don’t speak of our great need, how can we expect anyone to appreciate why we need His compassion and mercy?

Or consider that variations of the word suffer or suffering are found at least ninety times in the New Testament. But when we talk about the Christian life, how many times do these words enter our conversation?

Apart from speaking to others, what about our relationship with Christ? How often do we consider our own level of suffering for the cause of Christ, other than to work as hard as possible to avoid it? Sadly, Christians around the world who are being persecuted for their faith would find it difficult to relate to our Western “brand” of Christianity today.

A New Slogan?

Our culture has come to worship comfort and convenience. As a result, if some Christians were to create a slogan for what they believe, it might be something along the lines of:

• Christianity: let Jesus bless your socks off!
• Walking with Jesus is like tiptoeing through the tulips of life.
• When Jesus steps in, trouble steps out!

The problem is, nowhere in the Bible are we promised a life devoid of suffering. Quite the opposite. Instead, we’re told to expect it (John 16:33). What we are promised is that we are never alone in our suffering (Isaiah 43:2). That we will be given the strength to live in and through suffering (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). And that suffering refines us to be more and more like Christ (Philippians 3:10).

It’s natural to want to avoid suffering. But believers in Jesus Christ are no longer ruled by our natural inclinations. Rather, because of new birth, we have God’s Holy Spirit indwelling us and empowering us to respond to His prompts. Of course, that doesn’t mean we seek out suffering. Christianity doesn’t mandate a life of masochism. But when God allows suffering in life, does our all-consuming purpose become one of escaping our trials as fast and completely as possible? Or do we take the time to seek the Lord’s perspective in our suffering?

A Perspective Makeover

One way to gain God’s perspective is to ask ourselves a few questions:

• What needs refining in my life?
• Who might be watching how I respond to this season of suffering?
• What might I learn from this experience?
• As God comforts me in this situation, how might I comfort others who might be experiencing a similar season?

Christianity does not need a marketing makeover. However, many Christians may need a perspective makeover . . . and a reminder from Romans 8:28 (NASB) that “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

As you grow in following Christ, how has the Holy Spirit helped change your perspective regarding trials and suffering?