He Gets You, He Gets Me, He Gets Us
I’m getting old. My body reminds me of that every day when I run, stretch, and workout. I often feel like a car that needs to warm up in the garage for several minutes before taking it on a drive.
I’m also reminded of my age as I scroll through LinkedIn. I write that because there are many posts that would have been considered inappropriate in most corporate environments as recently as a decade ago. Posts include positions on social justice, politics, sexual orientation, dress, and very personal struggles, to name just a few. I’m not saying they’re bad or wrong. I’m simply acknowledging the world is changing faster than I am and that’s another sign of age.
Because the range of acceptable is so much broader than ever now, I decided to write about something that would have been out of bounds a few years ago. Remember the days when you were told not to discuss sex, politics, or religion? Sorry to disappoint you but I’m not going to talk about sex. Instead, I’m going to write about religion.
My Background
I didn’t grow up going to church and, while I have no formal religious training, at one time I was deeply involved in church. I led several Bible studies for many years and have been through the Bible cover to cover perhaps a dozen or so times. For years I wrote down my thoughts about what I was reading because I really wanted to understand the message of the Bible. That writing turned into a thousand-page document, a commentary of sorts.
I share this to let you know, I’m not coming at this from a purely emotional (“I think” or “I feel”) response but one that’s deeply thought out and has a basis in biblical understanding.
After the Super Bowl I read several sources condemning the “He Gets Us” commercials that aired during the big game. As a Christian I thought the messages were spot on. To be honest, they poked me in some uncomfortable places because I have lots of room for growth when it comes to following Jesus and living in accordance with His teachings.
The Messenger
One major criticism was the source of the messages. As someone who teaches influence, I get it. When it comes to influence, the messenger can be as important as the message. When a trusted expert tells us something, we’re more likely to believe the message than someone who may not be perceived to be an authority or someone we don’t trust.
The He Gets Us commercials were put out by a conservative group that apparently holds to more traditional Biblical values, ideas that have been mainstream in the church for thousands of years. That upset many people who don’t hold to those values.
I don’t think the source invalidates the message in the commercials because truth is truth. Caiaphas, the high priest who condemned Jesus, uttered these words, “You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.” It’s said that he prophesied, meaning he spoke the truth, and we don’t disregard that truth because of the source.
Although Christ had harsh words for the Pharisees, He told His followers to do what the Pharisees said but not what they did. That’s because they were hypocrites and didn’t live up to their own teachings. Even if you don’t like the source of the commercials, you should still wrestle with the truth of the message.
On the flip side realize this; during Christ’s ministry many objected to Him and His message in large part because of those who followed Him. Just because prostitutes, tax collectors, and other non-religious people followed Jesus that didn’t invalidate His message.
Money Spent
Many people objected to the amount of money spent on the commercials. They say it could have been spent on the poor and that Jesus never would have approved spending the money on Him. Don’t be too quick to assume that.
When Mary anointed Jesus’s feet with very costly perfume do you know who objected? It was Judas, Christ’s betrayer. He said the perfume could fetch a high price and used for the poor.
If you don’t want to align yourself with the He Gets Us message because you object to the conservative group, do you want to align yourself with Judas when it comes to how they should spend their money?
What About You?
The controversy over the money is ironic because so many people who object to the money spent probably give little, if anything, to help the underprivileged, homeless, and others. We all fall short here because we can all do more.
The rich young ruler tithed (gave 10%) of his wealth and Jesus told him to sell everything, give the money to the poor, then follow Him. As far as we know, he didn’t take Jesus up on His offer.
Maybe you don’t have wealth like that young man so you feel Jesus isn’t speaking to you. That doesn’t let you off the hook. Remember the poor widow who put two coins into the treasury? She was praised because she gave out of her poverty, all that she had to live on, whereas others gave from their excess.
This isn’t a matter of resources. It’s a matter of the heart and that’s what Christ is concerned with.
Sharing Good News
Jesus told the disciples to preach the good news to all the world. Thousands of years ago it meant traveling to the far corners of the world to share the reality of who Jesus is and what He did.
Today we don’t have to travel to spread the word. There aren’t many platforms better for sharing the message than the most watched sporting event in America and one of the most watched around the world.
My Takeaway
I’ve no doubt many reading this will still disagree with my views regarding the source of the commercials and the money that was spent. That’s okay.
Here’s my takeaway from all the controversy. Jesus doesn’t care who follows Him, He only cares that you and I follow Him, and that we’re growing in spiritual maturity as a result.
As for the money, He doesn’t need it. He turned water into wine and fed thousands from a few fish and loaves. His desire is that we participate with Him in growing the kingdom of God. Our time, talents, and whatever wealth we have give us that opportunity.
This is the bottom line. He doesn’t want your money, He wants you. You don’t need to shy away because He Gets You, He Gets Me, He Gets Us. That was the point of the messages.
Brian Ahearn
Brian Ahearn is the Chief Influence Officer at Influence PEOPLE. An author, TEDx speaker, international trainer, coach, and consultant, Brian helps clients apply influence in everyday situations to boost results.
As one of only a dozen Cialdini Method Certified Trainers in the world, Brian was personally trained by Robert Cialdini, Ph.D., the most cited living social psychologist on the science of ethical influence.
Brian’s first book, Influence PEOPLE, was named one of the 100 Best Influence Books of All Time by Book Authority. His follow-up, Persuasive Selling for Relationship Driven Insurance Agents, was an Amazon new release bestseller. His latest book, The Influencer: Secrets to Success and Happiness, is a business parable designed to teach you how to apply influence concepts at home and the office.
Brian’s LinkedIn courses on persuasive selling and coaching have been viewed by more than 500,000 people around the world!
Well said!
Thank you Beverly.
Thank you for sharing this Brian — I appreciate your insight!
You’re welcome Justin. Thanks for letting me know.