Sales Pitch

Like many others, I have come to realize that sitting down for extended periods each day is less than ideal, so two months ago I experimented with standing at my desk. I put my laptop on a crate and put the crate on top of my desk. After four weeks, I liked it so much I decided to get myself a “varidesk.” It’s a height-adjustable desk that converts a normal sit down desk into a standing desk. I even sprung for an “activemat” that encourages movement and stretching while you stand. As someone with diabetes, standing also helps to increase my metabolism and glucose control, which is vital for me. I’ve noticed that the soreness in my legs and lower back are gone, and I’m more alert. I know this sounds like a commercial, but I am convinced that if you sit a lot at work, this product is something to consider.

I remember having a conversation with my Dad when I was in high school after a man came by the house selling kitchen appliances. “Thank you, but it’s not our policy to buy door-to-door” my father said. After the man left I let it be known that “I could never do what he does!” I was surprised when my pastor-father said, “O yes you could, Steve, you just have to believe in what you’re selling.” The truth of that statement began to settle in. If you believe in something, you can sell it. You can promote it and, in fact, you cannot help but tell others about it. I knew then that what my Dad was really talking about was not selling cars or the latest kitchen gadget or adjustable-height standing desks. He was talking about Jesus. I’m thinking about the introduction to John’s first letter,

“We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of life….We are writing these things so that your joy may be complete” (1 John 1: 1, 4).

John had nothing to gain financially by telling others about Jesus. In fact John and the other apostles, faced mostly persecution for declaring their allegiance to Christ. Their motivation? Nothing less than a personal experience of Jesus’ transforming power in a broken world. When I read the headlines today, the awful parade of mass shootings, the assault on women from Hollywood to D.C., the threats of nuclear war and terrorist violence, and the scapegoating of the most vulnerable and poor among us, I have never been more certain about Jesus.

His words and ways, his self-giving love, and his resurrection power is the total answer to this world’s total crisis. He taught us to relinquish boiling anger and hatred, to see one another not as objects but worthy of honor and respect; he taught us to be faithful to our spouses, to love the stranger and the enemy, to heal the sick and bear one another’s burdens. The cross and the empty tomb testify to his defeat of sin and death and He says that He stands at the door of our hearts, gently knocking, waiting for us to open (Rev. 3:20). Telling people about Jesus is not hard because every good thing in my life has come from knowing Him, listening to Him, and standing with Him – often after trying it ‘my way’ first. He has the best information available on how to live the eternal kind of life. He has set me on my feet time and time again; and He will help you to live for Him and joyfully “sell” others on Him too if you simply ask.

And so as I stand at my desk, I invite you to stand and read aloud this benediction:

“Now to Him who is able to keep us from falling, and to make us stand without blemish in the presence of His glory with rejoicing, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” - Jude 24-25

Hope to see you soon…