A Whole New Way of Thinking
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. ”
I was thinking about how liberal America has lost touch with the Christian faith, or how liberal Christianity lost touch with America. I continued to ponder this issue as I read an article by Mark Bonchek entitled, “Don’t Sell a Product, Sell a Whole New Way of Thinking.” Bonchek points out, “Without the right mental model, they won’t seek the problem, understand the benefits, or make the change.” Churches need to reconsider how they present a problem that only the Christian faith can answer, the benefits of addressing it, and how the Church can help make the necessary changes in people’s lives to improve them.
Bonchek affirms, “Companies that successfully market and sell innovation are able to shift how people think not only about their product, but about themselves, the market, and the world.” Bonchek reminds us that Steve Jobs was an interesting example in this area. Steve Jobs guided people to see themselves as having transformative power when the person and the personal computer worked together. With MacBooks, iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and other devices, Jobs knew how to blur the line between technology and the individual. He also helped people see how his company’s innovations were connected to an individual’s innovative power. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of Steve Jobs’ innovative revolution?!
If a computer salesman could present a world-transforming vision that would capture the world's imagination, how much more can the Christian community provide transformative change? Steve Jobs could only offer computers, phones, and other means of entertainment. Christians have the means of sharing a world of peace and joy. We have the offer of eternal life, while receiving the support and guidance of the divine through the ongoing care of the Holy Spirit.
Today, think about what the Christian faith offers the world. Consider how your Christian faith has changed and enhanced your life. Plan and practice how you would share the faith that has blessed your life. Finally, pray that God provides you with opportunities to share your story, so that, like Steve Jobs, you can help bring life-changing transformation to this world. Only your faith story can make a much bigger difference than Steve Jobs and his technology. You can help reintroduce liberal America to Christianity anew.
