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I'm a sucker for infomercials. Embarrassed as I am to admit it, I can get inadvertently drawn into an infomercial and not only want what is being peddled, but be convinced that I need it desperately, can't live without it. Rather the point of the infomercial, I suppose.

Vacuums, exercise equipment, juicers, collections of 80's music - who knew so much was missing in my life?

I've only actually ever ordered one item as a result of brainwashing by an infomercial, but I've memorized lots of 800 numbers in anticipation! I never sit down with the intention of watching an infomercial. Does anyone? They just have a way of hooking me and then reeling me in slowly until I have the phone in one hand and a credit card in the other.

What is it that's so appealing? Why can't I resist the lure of the satisfied customer testimony or the photogenic host/salesperson? I don't find myself "needing" everything I see in the 30- and 60-second spots between segments of my favorite show. I don't run out and purchase the newest thing on the full-page magazine ad. Whether the high-powered sales pitches, convincing experiences or just the extended length, they wear me down. By the middle of the infomercial I trust the testimonies of those sincere-sounding people. I believe the company making this product really cares whether or not I am satisfied with it.

I wonder what type of testimony I broadcast? Am I a flat, quiet ad which allows the reader to turn the page and shut me out, maybe leaving a picture in the mind? Perhaps I'm a loud but quick commercial punctuated with a catchphrase like "Jesus loves you!" or "I'm praying for you!"? I doubt I am the infomercial version, slowly piquing curiosity about the Lord by sharing my experiences and only patiently sharing the source after I've convinced others they want - no, need - what I have.

Although I joke about infomercials and am often convinced they are hard-hitting and coercive, they must really be a soft sell. Otherwise, why would I tune in and keep watching even when I think I don't want what's being sold? This is the way I want to share the gospel - through my testimony, softly convincing others they can't live without what I'm "selling", what God is giving as a gift.

I've seen the hard-hitting, bible-thumping evangelists. They may have some success, but I believe most of it results from momentary guilt. Without the trust and support provided by a relationship, it's tough for anyone to truly experience God. But sharing that faith over a period of time, building trust, can be a convincing testimony.There's a saying: People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. I believe this is especially true in witness for Christ. Why would anyone believe me if I preach at them and then move on, regardless of their needs or decisions?

Obviously sharing faith is much different and more important that an infomercial, but I believe these underlying methods are worth comparing. I have sometimes found myself trying to share Christ with another because I know I should, not because I see the need in that life. One of my favorite scripture passages talks about how I should witness - and do everything else. Philippians 2:3-5 says: "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind, let each of you regard one another as more important than himself. Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourself which was also in Christ Jesus."

This week I'm going to broadcast good news. How about you?

"Today's Little Lift" from Jim Bullington

Comfort in Isaiah II (12-14-10)