Bob Russell is senior minister at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Ky.
A few years ago Bill Hybels and Mark Mittelberg wrote a popular book titled, Becoming a Contagious Christian. They suggested believers should make Christianity so appealing that others would be irresistibly drawn to Christ by our example. The book contains this formula: "High Potency, plus close proximity, plus clear communication equals maximum impact."
If Christ has made a powerful difference in our lives, if we have close relationships with unbelievers, and if we communicate the gospel plainly, we should be effective in influencing and winning people to the Lord.
Granted, the gospel is not going to appeal to everyone regardless of how appealing Christians are. Jesus warned that there would be those offended by the cross and some would love darkness more than light. But we have to admit that some believers make the Christian life very unattractive by being boring, joyless, hypocritical, and oppressive.
Salt and light
Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth." Salt adds flavor to food. Jesus also said, "You are the light of the world." People are attracted to light. The Christians in Corinth were encouraged to remember they were Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through them (2 Corinthians 5:20).
The Apostle Paul advised Titus to teach slaves to work in such a way that: "in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive" (Titus 2:10). Kenneth Wuest writes that the Greek word "attractive" means, "adorn like a cosmetic." Our lifestyle is to be a cosmetic in order to enhance the gospel. That includes, but is not limited to, having a submissive, not a rebellious spirit ("be subject to their masters in everything"), trying to please their owners, guarding against backtalk, not stealing anything from them, and earning their complete trust by faithfulness and integrity.
There's considerable controversy in some circles about whether Christians should have the Bible on display in their workplace. There is a sense in which the Word of God should be on display at work every day by our countenance, character, cooperation, and compassion. The fruit of the Spirit should reflect God's will in such a way that Christianity is contagious even when the Bible itself isn't being read. "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men" (v. 11).
Show by example
Some time ago a first-time visitor introduced himself to me in the vestibule of our church. He said, "I came because Bob Drane invited me." He explained that Bob had done some work for his company recently. Then he added, "If every employee had the same work ethic and attitude that Bob has, my life would be a breeze."
It's amazing how bright the light can shine in a dark place. The work environment may be our best opportunity for evangelism. The Wall Street Journal reported on a survey of 750 non-Christian businessmen who were asked, ‘With whom would you like to discuss spiritual things: a member of your family, a clergyman, evangelist, missionary, or fellow businessman?" Ninety percent of the 750 non-Christians said they preferred to talk to a fellow businessman.
Remember, it's not paid representatives people believe-it's satisfied customers! Your job is an opportunity for you to testify about Christ. You are God's missionary to your place of business. "In every way … make the teaching about God our Savior attractive" (Titus 2:10).
Bob Russell is an accomplished preacher at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Ky., and author of 13 books. His latest, released in June 2002, is titled "Jesus Lord of Your Personality." His sermons are heard several times weekly on "The Living Word" a nationally syndicated radio program. He also writes a weekly column in The Lookout, a magazine printed by Standard Publishing.
