I have no hard statistics to back this up. But I’ve met more people who have changed their religion than have changed what NBA team they root for. I’m willing to bet it’s more likely someone will change their religion than their fanship.
That’s actually a great opportunity for Christians. Unfortunately, in the last couple weeks I’ve been proselytized by loads of people—trying to convert me from being a Heat fan into a Spurs fan. Imagine if those people devoted their energy into trying to introduce their friends to Christ.
No, this post isn’t a big Jesus juke. I’m not trying to make anyone feel guilty. Because, frankly, these same people would be ineffective at introducing their friends to Jesus too. You know why?
Arguments are a poor way to convert people to your way of thinking. Seriously. Logic. Rhetoric. They rarely change people’s opinions about things.
So what does change someone’s opinion? An experience. Do you want your friend to become a Spurs fan? Go take them to meet Tim Duncan after a game where the Spurs dominated their opponents. That experience will convert them.
We spend far too much time attacking other people’s beliefs and defending our own. That will never change anyone’s mind.
But a story, an experience… you can’t argue with those. “I don’t care what the stats say, the Spurs team is filled with great people. Let me tell you a story.”
“I don’t care what science or philosophers day, I’ve experienced a freedom from guilt and sin. Let me tell you a story.”
It’s the experience that will change people’s mind. Look for ways to share your experience with others. That’s the way to stop wasting your time. That’s the way to be effective in life.
Totally agree with this. I know back in the day, the old school preacher people would go at it using debates as their madness method. Why would you have an argument in a setting where the other person is logistically and socially unable to change their mind? And internal chuckle at the Acuff-ian “Jesus juke.”