Frankly, few people are motivated to make decisions based on logic alone. For instance, a newcomer to a company may notice that all the key players are dressed in black, so the newcomer may dress in black to fit in. Few commercials use logic in their ads. They present stories and situations to suggest that their product will meet a universally felt need: “If I get that toothpaste, maybe I’ll have a girl hanging on either arm like that guy!”
“If my hair had more bounce or my lips more gloss, I too can attract a Prince Charming.”
The commercials also use illogical slogans to persuade: “Be a Pepper too!”
Isn’t it logical for an overweight man to do all he can to lose weight and forestall serious physical problems later in life? In spite of plain warnings and the numerous sad examples around him, he may continue to overeat simply because he loves to eat. (I am not talking about men who are overweight through serious medical conditions beyond their control.)
Others choose to abuse drugs and alcohol to join a gang through peer pressure.
God reaches different seekers in different ways. Some of our needs are physical and aren’t met by logic alone. Jesus chose to heal many people physically, and they believed in him. Today, many people are mentally stressed and need peace. Such people seek God because of their desire for mental healing. Others are lonely and are drawn to the loving presence of God that others enjoy continually.
In several instances, God made a visible appearance. When Jesus knew that one of his disciples, Thomas, could not believe in the risen Savior unless he could put his hands in his wounds, then Jesus appeared to him and showed him the nail prints in his hands and the spear wound in his side, and invited him to place his hands there and believe.
One of the newsletters I received from a gospel organization that works overseas eagerly reported on the many Muslims in the Middle East to whom Jesus had appeared in visions. Those Muslims in turn have gone out to Christians to ask about Jesus.
Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, “For the Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom” (1 Corinthians 1:22). So God used both measures: he healed the Jews through Paul and gave him airtight wisdom to encourage the Gentiles to believe the gospel message.
The good news that God loves us is not illogical. The good news ministers to the mind, soul, and body. The many ways God has won over seekers is a testimony of how deeply he knows us and how he abundantly meets our every need.
What Do You Think?
a. Many religions are not based on logic; they have no proofs for the existence of their major players. Have you examined the proofs for Christianity?
b. Many commercials use personal testimonies to convince us. The Bible also records people’s testimonies to convey the truth of the Gospel (“all I know is that once I was blind and now I see!”). Isn’t this because they are an effective way to persuade people?
