In addressing the theme of public perception, Paul underscores the church's need for insightful discretion - or, in contemporary parlance, "practical smarts." Hence the importance of "making the most of the opportunity" by walk[ing] in wisdom toward them that are without" (Col. 4:5).
Given such, one tends at times to wonder concerning those congregations presenting themselves to their local communities with church signs such as: "If you're looking for a sign from God, this is it"; "Brushing up on your Bible prevents truth decay"; "Without the Bread of Life, you're toast," and other similar vacuities.
Particular troublesome are the frequently observed postings: "So you think it's hot here!"; "Eternity: smoking or non-smoking?"; "Got Jesus? It's hell without him"; "Stop, drop and roll won't work in hell," etc. Permit us to suggest that the thinking individual will almost certainly be repelled by such flippancy in relation to the ultimate human tragedy - to little mention a logically resultant suspicion as to the shallowness proffered inside.
A few more examples of the objectively meaningless:
1. "Try Jesus - if not satisfied, the devil will take you back";
2. Try our sundaes; they're better than Dairy Queen's";
3. "Read your Bible - no more satin."
This latter effort which "ministered" to a nearby community for some time, opened our understanding to several "deeper truths" of which, for some inexplicable reason (ahem!), we had previously been unaware.
God, for example, is obviously opposed to certain types of cloth - satin in particular. Second: one can, however, rid himself of satin by reading his Bible. Assuming, however, that the pastor's intent more likely applied to Satan than to satin, it had apparently been to our further loss in having failed to recognize that not only could one "resist the devil" (James 4:7) but, by virtue of reading one's Bible, dispose of him as well - thus, "no more Satan." Well...
Interestingly, the pastor of a nearby congregation regularly posted inspiring Bible verses on his church sign. Simple logic itself would indicate as to which of these contrasting endeavors a positive response would more readily ensue. (We were later privileged to meet the second pastor and to personally express our appreciation to him for his public sharing of the Gospel.)
4. And, finally: "I'd rather be a pointer than a setter." Having appeared for many months in front of a particular area church, we assumed it the pastor's design, in some sort of cutesy canine imagery, to convey the thought of pointing others to the way as opposed to sitting (not "setting") idly by. At the same time, we could only envision the smirks of passing mororists made to think more of signs frequently posted in bars and other like establishments for the purpose of distinguishing the ladies' restroom from the men's.
To any finding our somewhat acerbic responses to certain of the foregoing offensive, we here apologize.
At the same time: Is this the best we have to offer a lost, sometimes hurting, and essentially directionless world? God forbid!
Burl Ratzsch
