thoughts on the news of the day: billboards

hmmm…..

            A tasteless billboard promoted by an Indiana restaurant company has been taken down.  And for good reason – the sign is offensive.  “We’re like a cult with better Kool-Aid” reads the sign which has a picture of a margarita and the phrase “To die for”.   It refers to the 1978 Jonestown cult massacre in which more than 900 people drank poisoned Kool-Aid.  The restaurant admitted their mistake and apologized for it.

            Several years ago an ad agency in Florida did a series of billboards that were messages from God.  Phrases like, “Don’t Make Me Come Down There,” and “What Part of "Thou Shalt Not..." Didn't You Understand?" and "Let's Meet At My House Sunday Before the Game"  and my favorite, “"My Way Is The Highway."

            Billboards are an effective way of advertising, especially when they get the word out in a humorous way.  Another billboard I have seen recently says, “Does advertising work?  It just did!” 

            We too, can be billboards for God.  By our actions and by the things that we say, people who know we are Christians get a strong and clear message.  Sometimes that’s a good thing; sometimes not so good.        I have a vanity license plate on the front of my car that advertises our church, so I try to remember to be polite when driving. My behavior on the road sends a message loud and clear about what we really believe. 

            Think about it.  What message are you sending to others by your actions?  Are you a good billboard for God?

            hmmm…..