We live in a marketing culture. Everything from baby diapers to grilled chicken is designed to lure us in. The job of Madison Avenue is to convince us that there is a better product (upgraded, a new edition, with more features). And when we put our money on the counter, they succeed.

Marketing is so much a part of our world, we cannot escape it. Commercials, radio ads, billboards… you can’t even pump gas without a hot dog or coffee picture luring you into the store.

This mindset has bled over into church culture. Come to church for a stronger marriage, smarter kids (or at least better behaved), or even financial prosperity. While peace with God will add value to life, we have to be careful marketing church. Jesus never marketed himself. In fact, his message was one of caution. He longs for people to come to him, but he is shockingly determined for people to follow him for the right reasons.

This week’s passage is challenging. I have to admit it is hard to preach in a culture that polishes everything to sell well. Would you take the time to read the text before coming on Sunday. The passage is Luke 14:25-35. I hope you show up scratching your head, ready to dive into the text together.

See you Sunday.