While I was sitting today at a Taco Bell eating some bean tacos I saw an ad on the TV stating that Items from the birth of Apple, home computing and video gaming were going to be up for grabs at an auction, which would conclude in 5 days. One of those items was quarter taken from one of the first Atari Pong video game machines. (1)
Let me stop for a minute and say Taco Bell is a rare stop in our family. We generally eat Organic, Lectin-free food options. But hey! We also like to live life, so no judgment. LOL! Back to that quarter…
What could a quarter possibly sell for at an auction? What could make a 25-cent piece sell for, well, more than 25-cents? It got me thinking about how something that has a 25-cent value could, in reality, be worth much more.
My mind almost immediately reminded me of a story I read about an American couple who were strolling the streets of Slovenia and window shopping. The wife saw a pair of glittery shoes and took a beeline into the store while her husband, who is a reluctant window shopper, ended up by the fragrances. A young salesman asked if he was looking for a scent, which of course he was not; he didn’t even wear cologne. But before he could answer, the eager salesman took a navy and white striped box from a shelf and simply stated, “this is our bestseller” and then, without opening it, he sat it on the counter and began to tell a story. The story was mesmerizing.
By this time the wife had come alongside her reluctant window-shopping husband, and they were both enthralled by the story. By the end of the story, a man who didn’t even wear cologne, was standing there with his mouth gaping open and his wife all of a sudden heard him say, “I’ll take it.” He didn’t even know what it smelled like, but that bottle of cologne was something he HAD TO HAVE!
At first she thought, my husband has been kidnapped and replaced with an alien but then she realized what had actually happened…it was the power of a story. (2) It was the story attached to “the thing” that made it irresistible…and very valuable.
We are wired for stories. In Biblical times, they told stories to pass down values, traditions, and history to the next generation. Stories connect us in a way that facts don’t.
”Even without the modern neurological research that proves storytelling is the best way to capture people’s attention, bake information into their memories, and forge close, personal bonds, humanity has always inherently known that people crave and seek out great stories almost as much as food and water. And the people (and brands) who can tell the most compelling stories are able to command the most influence within their community.” (3)
Our testimony is the story of our relationship with and experience of our Father God. We can tell people all day long what they should and shouldn’t do, how they should and shouldn’t act. We can tell them how they have sinned and fallen short, that Jesus is the one true way. That no matter what their circumstances are they should be joyful. (Insert eyeroll here from those who have no clue what you are talking about with your pie-in-the-sky theology). But listen…nothing comes close to the power of sharing with people what a relationship with the Most High God actually looks like in our lives.
- What does it look like to be in the midst of a trial and still be able to tap into joy and contentment?
- What did it look like when you lost a job and God stepped in and provided?
- What was it like when your best friend was diagnosed with cancer, and you rounded up your prayer warriors and went to battle spiritually and you witnessed the miracle of healing?
- How have your finances been changed by being a regular tither?
- How has your family been changed by laying down the old man and allowing the Holy Spirit to do his work in you?
What’s your story? What’s your testimony? What value has GOD added to your life?
As parents and grandparents, our kids need to hear our God stories. The world is certainly telling them an entirely different story, one that will never bring them closer to their Creator. How would they respond if we did a better job of talking with them about Jesus instead of talking at them about Jesus?
What about our friends and acquaintances? Picture a man who has just been served divorce papers and is driving home to an empty house. Imagine his cynicism as he passes one of those billboards that say in big bold letters, “JESUS IS THE ANSWER!” But… what if a Christian friend came alongside him and had shared his testimony about how Jesus healed his marriage. How much more valuable will a walk with Jesus look after hearing that testimony.
“The unbelieving world should see our testimony lived out daily because it just may point them to the Savior.” Billy Graham
Sharing our God stories and our testimonies adds value to a walk with God. Being a believer and having a faith journey isn’t about rules and religion; it’s about relationship. Relationships are valuable. While our testimonies should never replace the gospel, they can certainly add value to it by showing people what a relationship with God looks like in action. Our testimonies point people to God. They should make people want what we have.
The next time you are about to quote a Bible verse to someone, consider this, is there also a story/ testimony that you might share to increase the perceived value or the message you are trying to deliver.
“Your story is the key that can unlock someone else’s prison. Share your testimony.” John Hagee
My challenge to you today…
Ask God to remind you of times He has worked in your life. Begin to write down your testimonies as He reminds you of them. Begin to keep an answered prayer journal- written or virtual. Ask God to show you someone who might need to hear your story and, if needed, pray for boldness to share. Remember, it's about pointing them to Him.
Imagine what an incredible gift it would be for the generations that you leave behind to have a written testimony of how God has worked in your life and how faith in Him sustained you. You can’t place a dollar amount on that…it’s PRICELESS.
Don't forget to thank Him for all that He has done in your life.
“I will praise you to all my brothers; I will stand up before the congregation and testify of the wonderful things you have done.” Psalm 22:22
“Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me.” Psalm 66:16
“This life was revealed to us, and we have seen it and testify about it. We declare to you this eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us. What we have seen and heard we declare to you so that you, too, can have fellowship with us. Now this fellowship of ours is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus, the Messiah.” 1 John 1:2-3
“I want you all to know about the miraculous signs and wonders the Most High God has performed for me.” Daniel 4:2
(2) Kindra Hall, Stories that Stick: How Storytelling Can Captivate Customers, Influence Audiences, and Transform Your Business, (HarperCollins Leadership, Aug 2019) Introduction: Slovenia, JFK and the Story That Kidnapped My Husband
(3) https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/storytelling-quotes originally published Feb 4, 2019 7:00:00 AM, updated July 24 2019
