Recently, I answered a 765 area call from Angela who indicated that she was calling about my car insurance payment. I recognized that this was code for an insurance sales call. To her credit the sales person politely ended the call when I indicated that I was not interested in making changes to my car insurance. The initial statement could have been understood as “there is a problem with your car insurance payment.” While technically not a false statement it was potentially deceptive. I really do believe in truth in advertising. I do not like to feel I have been manipulated, and I worry about others who could be victimized by such manipulation. Christians also need to be careful to be transparent. While it is wonderfully true that the Christian experience is full of blessing, joy and fulfillment, it also can be difficult and inconvenient. It often involves sacrifice and at time has even involved martyrdom. A faith which involves a cross and resurrection is unlikely to involve “flowery beds of ease.” Christian “truth in advertising” should make all of that clear. Real choice begins when we see what our choice involves. When we choose to follow Jesus as Savior and Lord, we have not chosen an easy road, but it is the best of all journeys. It is the Jesus road. It may lead through dark valleys and even through a cross, but there will be blessings on the way and resurrection at the end of the journey.