"I Swear by Shea Butter" (2 Corinthians 5:11)

I swear by shea butter!

I have used many moisturizers, but none have worked as well on my skin as shea butter. I jokingly state to my friends and colleagues that I would go on television for free to give a testimony about the efficacy. “Shea butter! Use it! Believe in it!”

Yes, I sound like some religious fanatic. The irony is I am deeply in love with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. So why am I less than enthusiastic to share my faith? Why don’t I go around to my friends and colleagues and proclaim the “efficacy” of Jesus Christ in restoring my life? Why is speaking about shea butter less offensive than speaking about Jesus?

Why indeed? The sad and pathetic answer is because I fear man more than God. I am not concerned about offending someone when speaking about a product. But I am concerned about offending someone if I present the Gospel. And there is nothing more important for everyone to be assured of their eternal destiny. And yet, I am often hesitant and reticent to share my faith.

Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience.
2 Corinthians 5:11 (ESV)

I swear by shea butter. Do I swear by Jesus Christ? I do. And yet, my flesh is so weak. I need to make sure everyone I meet knows this as well. I continue to pray that the Holy Spirit will embolden me to enthusiastically proclaim how Jesus has given me new life and restored me.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.