Prove It For Yourself

Companies that are hungry for business will often resort to extreme
tactics.  The "money-back guarantee" is a good example.  FedEx, for
example, currently is promoting such a guarantee, vowing to refund a
customer's fees for shipping if the promised delivery time is missed,
"by even 60 seconds".  Those hoping to ship their packages for free
might be tempted to put FedEx to the test.

Vonage is another company offering a 30-day money-back guarantee.  The
idea of switching from a traditional land-line telephone to service
carried over the Internet is daunting to some.  But if you can put the
service to the test with no risk, why not give it a try?  That's how
Vonage hopes you'll think.

The boldest of the money-back guarantees, however, has to be what
General Motors is about to unveil.  Purchase a new model of any of
GM's brands (Pontiac, which is being phased out, is not included), and
you'll have the option of returning it for a full refund within the
31-60 days after you close the deal.  No questions asked.  The only
conditions are that you've not put more than 4,000 miles on the
vehicle and you're current on your payments.

Why is GM doing something so risky?  They're trying to show American
consumers that their products are equal to the foreign competitors.
Buyers' impressions of American brands have suffered over the last
several years.  Many who shop for cars don't even consider Detroit's
picks.  This marketing ploy might lure some to at least look at what
GM has to offer.

Getting someone to test drive a product is a major step in making a
sale.  But Detroit was not the first to come up with such an approach.
Would it surprise you to learn that God makes such an appeal?

David's words in Psalm 34:8 fall into this category: "Oh, taste and
see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him."
Chick-Fil-A stores frequently pass out samples of their wares.  David
urges all to sample the goodness of God.  Once we give God's ways a
chance, we might be amazed to discover just how satisfying His grace
is.

Let's be honest, though: Many are put off by what they perceive to be
the high cost of Christianity.  "I'd have to give up some of the
habits I've come to enjoy," they counter.  They have a point.
Becoming a follower of the Lord carries a price tag: "I beseech you
therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your
bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your
reasonable service.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of your mind ..." (Romans 12:1,2).
"Sacrifice" is the word that jumps out from that passage.  Most of us
don't like the thought of giving up things that we cherish.

But hear him out.  Paul's closing words in that passage need to be
heard: "... that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and
perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2).  Only those who try living God's
life will discover how wonderful it really is.  All others make their
judgments based on hearsay.

Give God's ways a try.  Though you've heard negative reports from
some, prove it for yourself.  Find out why millions have found that
being a Christian is the most satisfying life possible.  There really
is no risk, and the possible rewards are indescribable.

Come to the light God offers!  Study His word, the Bible.  Worship Him
in spirit and truth (John 4:24).  Get in touch with us if you'd like
to discuss these ideas further.

--Timothy D. Hall.