Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.
–John 14:1
Dear Lord, the ads.
After years of being a streaming-only family, Jan and I broke down and signed up for cable. The promise of more football and unlimited DVR was just too much to withstand.
We aren’t used to political commercials. And goodness gracious, there are a lot of them.
They’re relentless! 2 or 3 campaign ads in a single commercial break. One ad after another saying, “believe me–not them.” Slinging mud, making claims, and a whole lot of shadowing the truth.
Is this really the best way to garner support? Well, yes. A Cambridge study determined that political ads, both positive and negative, actually work.
Especially the negative ones.
I hate this. I bet you do too. I guess we’re stuck with them.
For a moment, though, let’s compare these people running for office with another public figure trying to garner support:
The big JC.
Jesus wants your vote, too. No, that’s not quite right. He wants your trust. Your buy-in to what he represents.
He asks us to listen. He claims he is the way, truth, and life. And in the scripture above he just comes right out and says it: BELIEVE IN ME!
Political parties are pouring millions into Kansas right now. They are literally spending money to get votes. But Jesus?
He backed up his claims with his life. He remained true to his message, even when it cost him everything.
Isn’t it interesting to think about Jesus’ limited reach during his three years of ministry? Yes, he brought out 5,000 people to some of his rallies, but he never made a campaign promise he couldn’t keep.
He never strayed from his simple message: Live in love. Receive love. Give love. Act with love–even towards your “opponents.”
I don’t know that Jesus had a campaign strategy other than to preach good news, to model love in action, and to seek the welfare of all people.
Judging from all the campaign ads, that slogan might not be enough to generate votes. Some people prefer a message with teeth, someone who knows how to push other people’s buttons. Some people only pay attention to the song and dance.
Again, I hate that.
Just a reminder: Jesus’ subtle, underfunded campaign was wildly successful. You want to talk grassroots? Jesus started with a handful of ill-prepared followers, and, somehow, his message persisted, country to country and generation to generation.
No PAC money involved.
A very simple message of love is something to believe in, to build a life upon.
If you, like me, wish that were enough, feel free to do your own campaigning.
You don’t have to go from door to door, but during the next commercial break, mute the TV, turn to whoever is with you,
and tell them you love them.
Have a great week,
Mitch
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