A rusty old van caught my eye as I was driving to meet my family for dinner. We both slowed down at a red light, when a gruesome image of Jesus on the cross came into view, hanging from the back window of the van and a bumper sticker in all caps read, “If you die today, are you going to Heaven or Hell?” I drove alongside the van for several miles, seeing that every inch of the windows was covered in messages conveying fear and judgment. My heart began to race and I started feeling anxious as I took it all in.
I pressed my foot into the gas pedal, putting distance between us and was filled with sadness. It was a familiar message to me, one that I grew up with, one based in fear, lacking the mercy and grace that I now understand is given so freely by Jesus.
Trying to shake the negative feeling this mobile judgment wagon left in its path, I realized I was doing the same, judging the way this person shared the message of Jesus. Anyone who would be so bold as to post images and scripture in the windows of their vehicle must have a deep love for Jesus Christ and that, I admire. At the same time, I couldn’t help imagine Jesus wrapping his arm around the driver telling him, “but you missed the point…I really needed you to share love and kindness.” That’s what the world really needs. It really is simple and Jesus made it so clear, “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34)
The world needs Christians willing to share love and hope with everyone they meet. Imagine if that van had been covered in smiley faces and encouraging messages of hope, “Smile, Jesus loves you!” “You’re worth it!” That might just get the kind of attention that Jesus deserves.
Erica Bollinger, Social Media and Marketing
