I have been reading “Shoe Dog” by Phil Knight and can’t put it down. His memoir tells the story of creating Nike. Early in his professional life, Knight tried selling encyclopedias, which did not go well. He moved on to selling mutual funds, which he was better at, but did not enjoy due to is introvert tendencies. Before Nike came into existence, Knight started his own business selling a Japanese running shoe brand called Onitsuka.
Selling shoes brought instant success and he discovered he enjoyed it. He identified the difference between selling shoes and mutual funds was belief. He genuinely “believed in running.” He believed people were better off for running a few miles each day and he believed his shoe was the best to run in. He decided “belief was irresistible.”
A meaningful reflection of Jesus happens when we live our belief in Jesus.
Upon reflection, Phil Knight believed that when attempting a sale, people sensed his belief in the shoe and “wanted some of that belief for themselves.” Phil Knight considers belief “irresistible.”
I would like to tweak his assessment. People may be attracted by belief, but they are actually drawn to the object of the belief. This is why believing in anything other than Jesus falls flat and turns empty.
In a world of doubt, people are looking for something to believe in.
We were created for relationship with God, which is built around belief. Everyone is carrying a God-given desire to believe. Unfortunately, many folks places their belief in anything, anyone or any place but God. The result is disappointment. Many of the folks we encounter on the regular have been let down by mis-guided belief.
In a world of uncertainty, people are drawn to those who are certain.
We convey belief through taking action. Phil Knight’s belief in the shoes was conveyed through his attempt to convince others they would benefit from trying the shoes. What actions are we taking because of our belief in Jesus? Can people identify that we believe in Jesus based upon the action we are attempting?
People are looking for somewhere to place their belief. The world is drawn to people who are secured to a firm foundation. As we obediently follow Jesus with steps of faith, people will see Jesus reflected in our lives and be drawn to the one in whom we believe.
Keep Reflecting Jesus!