Matthew 5:13-16 When you see the various book covers on display in the book store, you're seeing a snapshot of what is in the books, or at least what the designers would like you to think is in them. Sometimes they will pick up on something that is hinted at, because they have learned that that will get your attention. Once they've made the sale, unless perhaps it is a series, it doesn't much matter whether you really got what you wanted or not, they've got your money. It doesn't take most of us very long to adjust our sight to our expectations for a particular author of publisher. If that is what you see, then this is what you'll probably get. If you've got "Christian" all over your "cover", in other words, you say all the right things, maybe even dress the part; but when they get you home, there is an entirely different product with a completely different agenda. If this continues to happen, eventually you'll be ignored, just like the deceptive books on the book stand. As it says in Mat. 5:13, the salt has lost its savor and is worthless. If, however, what they see is what they get, you begin to be a light of your world, a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden. People will get a clear picture of who God is by seeing His character in your life. If you think you need provocative speech and dress to get people's attention, thinking you'll be able to slip the Lord in there later, just remember a book can handle being trashed, can you?

The Cover Sells the Book