The decision to switch to a Proglide Fusion Power Razor has not been without controversy.

Some who heard the news have wondered how a Canadian pastor serving two rural congregations in the Niagara region of Ontario, driving a Buick with 300,000+ km could opt for such an opulent shaving machine.

The answer, dear DWOD subscriber, is simple: The price was right.

You see, Gillette made an offer that was exceedingly difficult to turn down. They offered the razor for free. Gratis. No strings attached. Just a cartridge.

How could a cost-conscious consumer resist, eh?

It was as though Gillette said: “You have everything to gain and nothing to lose by trying it out.”

It is a principle that has worked very well in other areas as well.

Virtually every car purchase begins with a test-drive, doesn’t it? “Just take it for a spin.”

“See for yourself.” “Check it out.” “Try it on for size.” “You never know till you try it.”

These are irresistible offers that the mavens of marketing have pitched over the years with great success.

Jesus was not into marketing the Christian way of living. Nonetheless he makes an offer to two disciples of John the Baptist that they could not turn down.

When they get curious about what following Him might look like, He simply says: “Come…and see.” (John 1:39)

They check it (Him) out. It was a successful test drive. One of them, Andrew, decides to follow Jesus as a result.

Later on in the same chapter we read that Jesus calls Philip to follow him. Philip, in turn, sings Jesus’ praises to his friend Nathaniel, who is not convinced. “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”

Notice how Philip responds to this skeptic. No arguments. No counter-punch. No convincing apologetics needed.

He simply says: “Come and see.”

Nathaniel falls for the line, hook and sinker. He makes a move toward Jesus which leads to an encounter with Him. Another life is changed forever.

Although we live 2000+ years later, some things are still the same, aren’t they?

Even today, there are those who, like Philip, hear the gospel and choose to follow Jesus instantly.

There are those who need to hear the information and receive the invitation repeatedly before making that choice.

And then, there are those who need a test-drive, an irresistible offer.

Rather than rush someone into making a decision or worse pressure them into it, we too would be wise to follow the example of both Jesus and Philip in John 1.

It is indeed a time-tested method that the Lord uses to add members to His family with regularity.

Who can turn down an invitation to simply check out who Jesus is and what the Christian life is all about? All they have to do is hang around Him and Christians, little Christs, to see what it is like.

If they like it, they choose to follow Jesus. If not, they walk away.

All we need to do is issue the invitation. “You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain.”

“Come, see.” Some saw…and followed Jesus.

How did you become a follower of Jesus? Did you need to check Him out first? Was there an irresistible offer? Please share your experiences with the rest of you DWOD family by adding your comments below.