Proper Seasoning: What the Truth and Brussel Sprouts Have in Common

This is a guest post by Amy Weimer, who works for Global Media Outreach (GMO).  GMO is one of the première Internet evangelism ministries. You can find out more about their ministry at the end of this blog post.

The Obstacle

Mary Poppins said, “A spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down,” which she undoubtedly got from Proverbs 16:21: “Sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.”

I say this because I am in the business of Internet evangelism and discipleship, which is a corporate way to say: touching people with the truth, online.

Now, the truth is a tricky thing in this culture: it has gotten such a bad rap that sometimes when you go to say, “God Loves YOU” (which should be the greatest and most wonderful message to hear), someone can turn right off.

What Does Brussel Sprouts Have to do With it?

It’s like when my friend first offered me brussel sprouts.

Brussel sprouts? Are you kidding me? Good for you or not, they’re gross! Give me some potato chips!

And that’s just how our culture is. Sure, the truth is probably better for me, but it tastes so dry! Give me something flavorful: A funny YouTube video about a cat over a 45-minute sermon any day! 🙂

Seasoning to Change my Mind

But then I tasted the sprouts. Not the cold, raw brussels I had thought.  No, my local Whole Foods roasts them in olive oil and garlic to the point that I now travel miles and miles to get them. (Obviously my local Whole Foods isn’t that local.)

They even know me at the counter: “Back for more brussel sprouts, Amy?”

“Why, yes,” I say with slight embarrassment.

Why do I say all this, you ask?

Well, brussel sprouts are like the truth: a little seasoning can make all the difference.  [sws_tweet_button title=”Well, brussel sprouts are like the truth: a little seasoning can make all the difference. ” nickname=”” language=”en” count=”none”] [/sws_tweet_button]

You Have Healing Fruit

The Bible actually says we will be like trees, with healing fruit and leaves:

“Fruit trees of all kinds will grow along both sides of the river. The leaves of these trees will never turn brown and fall, and there will always be fruit on their branches. There will be a new crop every month, for they are watered by the river flowing from the Temple. The fruit will be for food and the leaves for healing” (Ezekiel 47:12)

“You Give Them Something to Eat” (Jesus)

You have Jesus’ truth inside of you—and the world needs it. [sws_tweet_button title=”You have Jesus’ truth inside of you—and the world needs it.” nickname=”” language=”en” count=”none”] [/sws_tweet_button]

However, the way you seasonand prepare it can make all the difference to make people drive miles to get it (like me with the brussel sprouts) or reject it right off the bat.

As it says, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:6).

Here are some ways that you can season and prepare the truth

Whether you’re writing a Facebook post or talking to your next-door neighbor:

1)    Add a sprinkle of your testimony: Instead of telling someone: “You should be more humble!”, share how good it felt when God humbled you recently.  I love when people are transparent and honest.

2)    Make it bite-sized: Think about the difference between handing someone a bag of flour versus a slice of bread. One they can eat, and the other they are left looking at helplessly.

Instead of saying “Spend time with God!”, think about how you could help them spend time with God—both by inspiring them and giving them easy ways to begin.

3)    Ask about their preferences: Everybody likes things a little differently, like when you’re ordering a burger (rare, medium, etc.). Everyone is still getting a burger, it’s just a little different.

Same with the truth: some people will be focused on certain questions, while others just need compassion. Take into account what the person needs and likes, not just you want to serve.

An example I came up with

Here’s an example of how I tried to do this. I wanted to inspire people to spend time with God, because I know that if they do, it will impact their whole life.

However, I didn’t want to just wag my pointer finger at them and say, “Spend time with God!”  [sws_tweet_button title=”However, I didn’t want to just wag my pointer finger at them and say, “Spend time with God!”” nickname=”” language=”en” count=”none”] [/sws_tweet_button]

So I “seasoned” it as going on a “date” with God, to show how it’s an opportunity and not a chore. Many people responded with heartfelt replies, as you can see in the Comments below the article.

Takeaway

You’ve got fruit the world needs. But the world will take it with some extra salt. And that’s just fine, because Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13).

You can write a post that inspires someone that God will really forgive them, or send an e-mail with a prayer of blessing. There are a million opportunities you have to let your leaves and fruit nourish the nations.

I’m so excited to see how you can season the truth in a way that makes people crave it…like me with the garlic-roasted brussel sprouts :-).

About Global Media Outreach

We at Global Media Outreach want to give everyone multiple invitations to have a life-changing relationship with Jesus.  We are passionate about using every available technology to reach people where they’re at.

We use websites to share the gospel and an army of trained responders to help new believers grow in their faith. Please visit our main discipleship sites here or on Facebook !

What have you found to be the best way to share the truths that are found in the Bible with others? What obstacles have you faced in sharing Jesus with others? Share with the community your insights and experience, we want to hear from you.