How Would You Rate Jesus?

Testimonials have always been persuasive. According to researchers, when it comes to people’s purchasing decisions,

“there is strong evidence . . . that consumers rely on customer [that’s you!] recommendations far more than advertising.”

Understanding the enormous persuasive power of recommendation, why do we as devoted followers of Jesus so often hesitate to recommend Him? If you were to rate your experience with Jesus on a scale of 1 to 5, what would be your score?

Maybe that’s the issue. Jesus just isn’t that much of a factor in your daily quality of life. Does Jesus score in the 2.5 range for you? When was the last time you recommended a restaurant that you thought was a 2.5 out of 5?

Scoring Jesus as a 2 to 3 is common among Christians who live in what I call “the tortured middle,” that flavorless, desolate place between renouncing Jesus as Lord and abiding in Him. No one wants to live in the tortured middle, let alone recommend that others join you there. Everybody wants the five-star experience!

Of the variety of reasons we get trapped in the middle, most often it’s because we lack clarity and confidence regarding what it means to follow Jesus. Developing intimacy with God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit can be confusing. Warring against our enemies—sin, the world, and satan—is difficult and uncomfortable. Understanding how to trust in our Father’s faithfulness for daily living doesn’t always come easily.

The first book in this series, BE, offers a recipe for following Jesus that can liberate you from the tortured middle and free you to fully experience life with Him. Once you’re dwelling in a five-star existence, you’re ready to GO, sharing the love of Jesus with others. If you aren’t there yet in your faith, I’d encourage you to take some time and read BE: The Way of Rest. For now, sit in prayer and ask our Father to show you what He wants to do in you so that you can experience the five-star life Jesus offers.

In John 10:10 Jesus tells us, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Friend, God has accepted you. There’s nothing you need to do. You can rest in Jesus and enjoy a life filled with peace, joy, security, and, at some point eternal life. It’s time to change your outlook, get out of the tortured middle, and put ALL of your trust and faith into Jesus’ five-star experience.

This Blog is an excerpt from my book, Go: Flex Your Story available from Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats.