1958 7up advertisement of a girl drinking 7up

You gotta follow this!

Have you ever felt the urge to purchase the product you just saw on television, ad shell poster, or billboard? Or perhaps, you are one of those who don’t mind watching the full length of an advertisement just before your YouTube video plays. You may even enjoy watching TV advertisements during commercial breaks.

Whether the above describes you or not, ads are ubiquitous in our day and age—that is an undisputable fact. With some 250 to 3,000 advertisements shown to us on a daily basis, it is no wonder that advertisements have in one way or another influenced the way we view things, perhaps leading us to purchase or follow a particular brand or movement. Like it or not, advertisements have the effect of manipulating our minds and influencing us. They tell us what and who we should conform to in the way we live our life. Very often, we buy into the messages.

#justdoit #shoesareboringjustwearsneakers  #haveityourway #easybreezybeautifulcovergirl

Imagine what it would have been like if Jesus were living in this day and age. He could be a walking billboard! Two thousand years ago, even without posters, television ads, social media and all other mediums, He was famous, just by word of mouth. If He were around today, I would not be surprised if He used any of these tag lines:

“Because you’re worth it”

“You are more beautiful than you think”

“Think different”

“Obey your thirst”

“There’s only one”

“For life”

“No more tears”

Advertising expert teaches that “repeated exposure” increases the likelihood of changing attitudes and awareness towards a brand. If so, maybe “advertising” Jesus more will save more souls? But that’s a discussion for another day.

While times and mediums have changed, what has stayed the same is our nature to follow something or someone. The Bible warned against this mindset in Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (ESV)

Unlike the advertisements that surround us daily which tend to overpromise and under deliver, we know that Christ will fulfil whatever He has promised. Why then do we stake so much in these brands and movements when we know that following and focusing on Christ is so much better and worthwhile? Since “following” is in our nature, let’s focus on following the right person!

#IhavedecidedtofollowJesus #noturningback

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