Could defending our faith and selling cars have anything in common?
I recently read a funny but true story about a car salesman whose uncontrolled emotions cost him a sale.
A customer walked into a dealership to shop for a new car. A friendly salesman approached the man and spent considerable time helping him find the vehicle of his dreams. After offering the potential buyer a variety of incentives and discounts to close the deal, the customer refused his efforts.
Surprisingly, the salesman cried. He tearfully told the potential buyer he was confused by his decision because he thought they had made a connection earlier. Not surprisingly, the customer felt incredibly uncomfortable. He left the dealership quickly, all but sprinting to the exit and never returning.
I share this humorous but peculiar story because it illustrates an important principle we must avoid when defending or contending for the Christian faith.
When we present biblical truth that gets rejected, our emotionally charged reactions toward that person who needs salvation—including pushiness, pleading, forceful insistence, anger, or hostility—can cause them to run for the hills and never look back.
For this reason, we must always maintain a calm, respectful nature when communicating truth with spiritually lost individuals. We cannot underestimate the power of our demeanor because it can repel or draw them in, depending on how we conduct ourselves.
Do you want to defend the faith or share gospel truths with others but need prayer for self-control over your emotions? If so, I would love to pray for you. Comment below.
