“Where did you stay in Mexico?” an acquaintance asked me one day while tanning at the pool. She had been looking for a place to snowbird for two months and wanted my recommendation.
“I like to know that someone has been there and enjoyed it,” she said.
While our winter vacations are limited to a week, I still research my options before I book those seven days at a resort or on a cruise ship. I don’t always know someone who has been to the chosen destination, so I head to the internet. Reading reviews—the bad and the good—gives a lot of insight into what we can expect if we go there. I read the bad ones with the mindset that some people complain about everything and are difficult to please. I also believe that people are more likely to write a negative review than a positive one. Sometimes, we just don’t take the time to give the positive feedback the host deserves. But their rating is vital for travelers who have never visited the area or know someone who has.
Taking a step to give one’s life to Jesus is a big commitment too. Those who know little about God’s way of living might hear negative things about “the church” in general and wonder if there’s any solace to be found there. They might be looking for good reviews to make Christianity look more inviting to them.
What might a good review look like? Here are ten 5-star reviews (with backup evidence) that we could use to make a godly life look desirable to an unbeliever:
***** “The pastor’s sermon on Sunday uplifted my spirit and gave me hope to face my week.”
He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then, he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong (Titus 1:9).
***** “The ladies in my small group at church prayed for me. Not only did I feel better, but I appreciated their love and support.”
“I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” (Matthew 18:19-20)
***** “I asked God to take my anxiety about what’s happening, and I immediately felt my jaw muscles relax.”
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT)
***** “I had such guilt about the things I had done in the past. It’s a relief to know that God has forgiven me, and He gives me the strength to resist when I’m tempted to fall back into my old ways.”
But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness (1 John 1:9).
Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested (Hebrews 2:18).
***** “I have become a better person since I accepted Jesus into my heart.”
By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. (2 Peter 1:3)
***** “I’m nervous about accepting this new job, but God has given me inner peace about it.”
But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you (Psalm 56:3).
***** “I am so thankful for all that God has done for me. I’ve learned to be content with what I have and to trust Him to provide for my needs.”
The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need (Psalm 23:1).
***** “When I am vulnerable or embarrassed to share my mistakes with a friend, I have Jesus to talk to. I know He cares and understands.”
This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. (Hebrews 4:15-16)
***** “I don’t know how this situation will work out, but I’m trusting God that He will show me what to do.”
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
***** “I’m not afraid of dying because I know that it’s not the end but the beginning of a better life with Christ in a place He has prepared for me.”
Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying” (John 11:25).
There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? (John 14:2)
What 5-star reviews have YOU given lately?
Pray with me:
Dear Jesus, help me to share the benefits of knowing You with everyone I meet. May my words and actions be 5-star reviews for Your Kingdom.
Amen
Valda Goudie is a teacher and a writer. Visit her site at https://valsstage.com/and download a free e-book called “Tickle Me with a Crowbar!” containing 30 days of jokes and short devotions!
